Sand Dams Worldwide fundraiser cycles from UK to Italy

In August 2013, Matt Jackson cycled a thigh-busting, bottom-numbing 1,100 miles from Gloucester, UK, to Umbria, Italy, to raise money for Sand Dams Worldwide.

Matt and a small group of adventurous friends set off on their ambitious 15-day journey on August 2.

Once through the Channel Tunnel, their route took them from Calais to Aubonne, Switzerland. They then tackled a 2,500m climb over the Alps to Bologna and then to Spedalicchio in Umbria.

Matt raised an incredible £2,691, and said:

"Sand Dams Worldwide [formerly Excellent Development] is a small charity that does great work, empowering communities by putting their future in their hands. This is very important to me which is why I’m supporting the work they do with my summer challenge."

Every penny raised went to supporting communities in rural drylands to work their way out of poverty.

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could provide a farmer with drought-resistant seeds, so they can feed and support their family.

£60

could provide a roll of barbed wire to reinforce a sand dam, anchoring it to the bedrock.

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could provide 500 seedlings and a spray pump, to protect the trees from insects

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