WHEN the urgent need for clean water in Burkina Faso, West Africa was illustrated at a school assembly by Christian charity Myra’s Wells, one pupil was clearly paying attention.

For eight-year-old Adam Reid organised a sponsored 26-mile walk along the Castleman Trailway from Upton to Ringwood and went on to raise thousands of pounds for the Dorset-based charity.

Helped by his dad, he set up a Just Giving page in conjunction with Myra’s Wells and the United Nations’ World Water Day initiative.

His original target was £250, which was increased to £1,000. The final total raised was £2,410.

Now, with the addition of Gift Aid, and other money raised by the three West Moors schools, the total is over £4,000 and the charity has pledged to top up the funding to reach the £5,000 needed for a new well.

Adam’s school, St Mary’s West Moors, had the motto ‘Be Awesome’ for the spring term, and Adam is now known as ‘Awesome Adam’. A plaque is now on its way to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and will eventually be fixed to the well in recognition of Adam’s achievement.

Christine Bonkoungou, Myra’s Wells operations manager in Africa, visited Adam’s school to show him the plaque and say thank you. Eddie Martin, a Myra’s Wells trustee, said “When we showed the plaque to Adam, everyone realised just how awesome he is. His mum and dad, and the school, are so proud of him.”

If you would like to support Adam’s cause, please visit website justgiving.com/fundraising/adamswalkformyraswells.

For more information, about Myra’s Wells see website, myraswells.org