There are no mountains on the map

Earlier this month while cycling my way south to the end of this first leg , I diverted east and pedalled out to the coast, specifically to the town of Ishinomaki. It was one of the worst hit towns. Thousands died here, including 80 children at a school of just over 100. I wanted to see what had happened there and I wanted to see what  I might be able to do to help. I was shocked, humbled and saddened by what I found – flattened neighbourhoods, ruined industries, poignant memorials to lost loved ones and mountains and mountains of debris. There are no mountains on the map at this point but, looking out to the periphery of the town and across it, a new landscape grows each day – the rubble piling higher and higher.

I was also inspired by what I saw in the quiet, determined efforts of local people to rebuild the town and their lives. I shall be returning to Ishinomaki next month to volunteer and hope to do so again and again before I leave for the ocean in the spring. I shall be doing so via  ‘It’s Not Just  Mud’, a brilliant not-for-profit set up by British man Jamie El-Banna. He quit his job in the UK in the summer to come to Japan and help. Their work is focussed on providing and improving food and shelter for local people through a number of supported projects and initiatives.

I asked Jamie what I could do to help, above and beyond volunteering my time and energies. He said warm clothing is needed urgently. As such, I need your help in raising some money to provide warm jackets for those in need in Ishinomaki. Given Japan’s ageing population and the lack of heating and hot water in many homes still, there are a lot of grannies facing a very cold winter. A fleece or warm blanket could really make a tangible difference to someone’s life in the cold months ahead. In fact, it could save a life.

Already the Stamford Endowed Schools and Barnsdale Lodge have very generously donated hundreds of pounds. I am keen to get it well up over £1,000. If you are able to donate a few pounds I would be super grateful. Details below.

Thanks and all best,

Sarah x

PS I am still committed to fundraising for my supported charities and will return to this in the new year.

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The best way is to do so via a bank transfer to ‘Helping Hands for Japan’, a UK based charity who accept donations to pass on to groups like It’s Not Just Mud. Doing so allows Gift Aid to be added if you are a UK taxpayer. The money will then be transferred to buy winter clothes out here and we shall distribute in the town to those most in need.

BANK TRANSFER DETAILS:

Bank: Lloyds

Account Name: Helping Hands for Japan

Sort code : 77-23-09

Account number : 81927562

***** Please fill out the form here  to Gift Aid your donation and specify ‘Winter Clothing’ in the project choice.****

If you  cannot donate via bank transfer, then please use the Paypal account below.