A RAMSBOTTOM man who visited the Philippines in April is helping to raise funds for the victims of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan which struck the country earlier this month.

And 34-year-old Danny English is appealing for volunteers to join him in a 32-mile ultra-marathon to take place between Knowsley Safari Park in Liverpool and Nuttall Park in Ramsbottom on Christmas Eve.

Danny, an outdoor educator, is raising funds for a charity called Project Pearls which focuses its outreach work in the slum communities in Tondo, Manila, particularly in Ulingan and Helping Land. However, all the money he collects will now be used by the charity to help the relief effort in the wake of the typhoon.

Recalling his fortnight’s trip to the Philippines earlier this year, Danny said: “During my visit I helped to put together a week-long summer camp-style programme for the children.

“We ran a variety of community building games and activities that focused on social and emotional learning, encouraged positive relation-ships and brought a week of fun and happiness to the children.

“During our stay it was clear that many of the children we worked with were extremely intelligent, very creative, caring and loving. To meet and work with such wonderfully talented children was both beautiful and heartbreaking.

“With little access to education, and already employed in laborious jobs digging around in charcoal pits looking for nails, their opportunities to reach their full potential are seriously hampered; little to none.”

He added: “I believe this is both unfair and unjust, and I pledged to do whatever I can to give these children the opportunities they deserve. Through fundraisers, don-ations and collections I aim to support the efforts of Project Pearls and make a difference in the lives of the children of Manila.

“I have decided to embark on an ultra-marathon from Knowsley Safari Park to Nuttall Park. I recognise that as people we are stronger when we work together and my hope is that others will join me for all, or part of the journey, and I hope that I don't have to take a single step alone.

“There are eight of us so far. We will be leaving at 10am and should hopefully arrive at Nuttall Park at about 3pm.”

Danny chose the Knowsley Safari Park location for the start of the event because he has just moved to nearby Prescot after three years of studying in Liverpool. He hopes to raise £1,000 for Project Pearls.

n To make a donation, or to volunteer to take part in the ultra-marathon, log on to http://youcaring.com/nonprofits/ultra-marathon-knowsley-safari-park-to-nutall-park-/92768