Edinburgh man to embark on 260km indoor cycle to save Project Trust charity

Ewan volunteered in Uganda with the trust between 2013 and 2014.

Ewan Ritchie, 25, benefitted from the trust where he volunteered as a primary teacher in schools in Uganda between 2013 and 2014 and is trying to raise money to keep this trust going to ensure young people can benefit from the trust in future just as he did.

Each participant, who was a volunteer in Uganda in the same years as Ewan, will complete the challenge individually. Their total goal is to raise £1000 and donations currently stand at almost £300.

Ewan will cycle 260km indoors using the indoor cycling app Zwift to raise money.

Project Trust has repatriated all current volunteers as well as suspending all training and selection activities due to the pandemic

Project Trust is a Scottish charity that sends school leavers on 12 month placements all over the world. The experience is designed to help develop and enrich the volunteers life skills and engage with the community they are placed in while not taking away employment from the locals.

Ewan said: “As a returned volunteer, having spent a year teaching at a primary school in Uganda, Project Trust means a great deal to me helping me gain confidence to last a lifetime and still has a profound effect on me to this day.

“Due to COVID-19, Project Trust has had to repatriate all current volunteers as well as stop all fundraising, selection and training events. I would be saddened if future generations of global citizens were not were not able to experience a life changing opportunity similar to one that I had.

“I would be grateful for any donations or support for my ride. If you would like to take part on the day and be a part of my virtual peloton, add 'Ewan Ritchie (Project Trust Appeal)' on Zwift.”

Those wishing to donate can do so on the Virgin Money Giving page set up by the volunteers.