Karl Burke to embark on epic charity bike ride

On April 8th 2010, Karl Burke will set off on his bike from Perth on a journey he hopes will see him visit all the racecourses in England, Scotland and Wales. The 2,500 mile trip will see him visit the 60 tracks over a 39 day period, hoping to be at Newton Abbot on May 17th. With DAFA as one his chosen charities to benefit from his fundraising, Karl made contact with the following news:

'It had been on my mind to do some charity work for several years, but such is the commitment needed to train racehorses it was never possible. When my
ban came into place it was an ideal opportunity to put my time to good use. Having not ridden a bike for over 20 years I probably underestimated the size
of the challenge when I first thought of it!!!

I have been training most of the winter either on a bike or in the gym. Time spent cycling has dramatically stepped up over the past month and will continue up to 8th April.

I have followed the good work that Barney Curley and DAFA have achieved for the children and families of Zambia and always wanted to try and do something to help. In fact I approached Barney several years ago to see if I could go out and help on some of DAFA's projects, but for various reasons that did not materialise. DAFA was always high on the list of charities I wanted to help and hopefully with some hard work and people's generosity I can raise a sum of money for DAFA that will make a meaningful difference to the ongoing projects.'

Click here to visit Karl's fundraising page

2009 Another successful year for DAFA and the marginalized of Africa

Since its inception in 1997 DAFA has, with the support of its benefactors, made a profound improvement to the living conditions of the destitute and marginalized in Africa. In 2009 DAFA supported a total of 34 projects totaling £340,000.00 pounds. These varied and diverse projects included a nominal payment to a young man and his two orphaned brothers who toil a small subsistence plot in the Francisdale area of Northern Zambia. Our largest project in 2009 was the construction of three new classrooms at Yengwe Basic School, Ndola, Zambia. This school, with the support of DAFA, has developed into an award winning educational centre with in excess of 1400 pupils. Some of these children at Yengwe Basic School, who are as young as seven, leave their homes at 4.30am in the morning and walk up to 20 km to attend lessons which commence at 7.30am. The enthusiasm of these children to learn is an inspiration to all. DAFA have also introduced a very successful feeding programme to Yengwe Basic School. The food financed by DAFA is a high protein mix. The children now have at least one basic meal a day. DAFA hope to continue replicating this programme in other schools during 2010.

In 2009 DAFA supported a total of 34 projects totaling £340,000

Programmes also assisted during 2009 include windmill construction, orphan food supply and orphan child support. Camphill Community Hermanus, a therapeutic community sharing life with people with learning difficulties situated in South Africa, was also supported during 2009. The herders of East Pokot received DAFA funding to assist them due to the severe drought in this part of Africa.

On behalf of the DAFA Committee Members may I take this opportunity to thank all our benefactors for their continued support during 2009. We recognize the pressures on all due to the economic downturn but your support has created sustainability in the lives of thousands who now live with hope.

DAFA is a unique charity. There are no paid staff. All DAFA members who go to Africa on programme inspection trips do so at their own expense. The funding that we receive goes directly to the worthy causes that we have nominated on your behalf.

Again thank you for your continued support.

Gerard Campbell, Chairperson, DAFA January 2010.

Clare Twemlow wins John Smith's People's Race for DAFA in style.

From left: Frankie Dettori, Clare Twemlow, Barney Curley, Jamie Spencer, Johnny Murtagh.

Always travelling well in behind the leaders, just off the pace, Clare tracked wide across to the stands rail turning for home. With a quick glance round for dangers at the furlong pole she readily pulled clear to win by 2 3/4 lengths.

Sale of The Racing Post leads to £2.5 million donation to DAFA

Following the sale of The Racing Post in October 2007, Trinity Mirror Group were requested by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to give £10 million to four charities for transferring the licence to use the Racing Post trademark, which the Sheikh owns. As one of the four selected charities, DAFA subsequently received a £2.5 million donation as a condition of the sale which took place. Barney Curley was quoted as: "floating on air since hearing the news. I'm never stuck for words, but this time I am. What this will do for people is unbelievable." DAFA cannot express its deepest appreciation enough for the generousity of this gesture by Sheikh Mohammed.

Jamie Spencer & The Racing Post in Zambia with DAFA