Pride of Lionsraw (From Bournemouth Echo)

Pride of Lionsraw

7:30am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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WHILE England football fans may not have the best reputation abroad, one group of supporters is going to South Africa this summer hell bent on construction rather than destruction.

The 300-strong squad is heading out as part of the Lionsraw charity dedicated to mobilising an army of football fans to bring help to those who need it most.

Their destination is the Valley of a Thousand Hills – the world epicentre of HIV/Aids – and their aim is to work alongside existing local charities to provide manpower on much-needed orphanage construction projects and football academies for deprived children.

Local businessman Andrew Findley is a trustee of Lionsraw and is attempting a sponsored triple marathon to raise money towards the £100,000 target to fund these various projects.

Andrew, 46, is aiming to complete The Oner, a 78-mile ultra-marathon, where competitors race from Lyme Regis to the Poole chain ferry, in under 24 hours, following the Dorset Coast Path next weekend.

“I tell everyone that I’m attempting to run a triple marathon because with demands of family and business it’s not easy to find time to train.

“The only thing I can guarantee is pain and suffering for this cause and not stopping until I can’t take another step!”

In his day job Andrew is one of the founding directors at Elite Property Search, a top-end buying agency that finds properties for the rich and famous.

“I spend my days working for some of the richest people in the world so it’s great to have the chance to help some of the poorest.

“I’m very proud to be involved with Lionsraw and the response from football fans who really want to make a difference has been fantastic.

“All the workers are self-funded volunteers and, as a trustee, I can guarantee that all the money raised is going directly to the bricks and mortar costs of the projects.”

Andrew added: “I challenge anyone to watch the online BBC mini programme about Lionsraw not to be impressed and supportive. (vimeo.com/7798822) “We may not win the World Cup but we can still say: ‘We came, we sawed and we concreted!’”

• If any companies are interested in corporate sponsorship contact Andrew on 07950 822801 or email andrew@elitepropertysearch.com or to sponsor Andrew’s efforts directly go to justgiving.com/Andy-Findley