Superfit solicitors gear up for Paris marathon to build £1.5m further education college in Bangladesh
A trio of superfit solicitors is preparing to pound the streets of Paris to raise money towards building a college in Bangladesh.
Litigation lawyer Amanda Wilson, from Thorntons in Dundee is joining forces with criminal defence solicitors Doug McConnell of Flynn and Co and John Boyle of Boyles to run the Paris Marathon on 11 April in aid of the Dundee Bangladesh Educational Trust after they were moved by Sheriff Richard A. Davidson and Deputy Lieutenant Bruce Kelly's work for the trust.
And now the big-hearted runners are calling on supporters to test their knowledge at a fundraising quiz night on Friday 5 March at 7.30pm at the Dil'se Restaurant at Perth Road in Dundee with the backing of quizmasters Sheriff Davidson, Mr Kelly and sponsors SERCO.
The principal purpose of the Trust is to provide a college of further education in the township of Dumli which sits on the edge of the capital, Dhaka, and the Bay of Bengal.
The population of Bangladesh is an incredible 130 million and as a result many live in poverty with very limited access to education.
In Dumli young people over the age of 16 have little option in practical education, and the Trust's aim is to build a college for school leavers which will concentrate on the teaching of English, IT, commercial, hotel and tourism skills which would require around £1.5million to get off the ground.
Amanda explained: "At the Faculty Dinner last year, Sheriff Davidson gave a moving speech about his work with the Dundee Bangladesh Educational Trust charity, and Doug and John had the idea that we should make raising funds our mission for the marathon.
"Although I've never run a marathon before, the challenge will feel extremely worthwhile knowing that it will go to help such a good cause."
John added: "Doug, Amanda and I have been training hard, and we hope that with such overwhelming support – as we have been shown already – that we can contribute towards making a difference to the future of many young people for generations to come."
Sheriff Davidson said: "It was Bruce's connections with Bangladesh and in particular with Dundee businessman Abdur Rouf, that led to my involvement and our subsequent visit in December 2008 to Dhaka and Dumli in particular.
"It is a fascinating part of the world with huge contrasts between its natural beauty and the poverty of the majority of the population who are, nonetheless, remarkably happy and hospitable.
"Of course the jute connection between Bangladesh and Dundee dates back centuries – Bangladesh having the perfect conditions for its growth and Dundee entrepreneurs in the 19th century working out how best to convert it to useful material for all sorts of purposes.
"Some of that expertise has been exported back to Bangladesh but what the population there is crying out for is the education to allow them to support themselves.
"Bruce, Abdur and I would like to encourage the people of Dundee in particular, but generous Scots everywhere to repay some of the benefits this country obtained from its connection with Bangladesh.
Issued by Beattie Communications on behalf of Thorntons Solicitors.
Contact: Kimberley Hamilton, Tel 01698 787878