Presbyterian Church in Ireland - Mission Overseas - KENYA: Sponsored Cycle from Donegal Town to Derry supports 'Bridge of Hope' Project

8th April 2011

This sponsored cycle ride taking place on Saturday, 14th May, is raising funds for the 'Bridge of Hope' project's construction of a second footbridge across the Galana river in SE Kenya.

Saturday, 14th May

The Route

Starting point: Donegal Town Presbyterian Church at 8.30am.

Finishing point: Carlisle Road Presbyterian Church, Derry, (at the end of the Craigavon Bridge).

The route is approximately 50 miles long, with a few stops in different congregations along the way. Some people will be attempting the whole route and others will join along the way. 

The Bridge of Hope

Funds raised by the sponsored cycle will be going towards the construction of a second footbridge across the Galana river - “The Bridge of Hope”.

In 2002, Derek and Linda Roulston (members of Newtowncunningham Presbyterian Church) moved to South East Kenya to commence a PCEA development project among the Galana people who live in villages scattered along the banks of the Galana River.

When hunting was banned, these once proud hunters were moved from their traditional tribal areas and largely neglected by the authorities. Over the years, this PCEA project has brought them new hope by contributing to the development of health, education, and agriculture in the area. Three PCEA congregations have now been been established in the area. 

The Galana people live in communities, spread out over a large area, so following the successful completion of the first footbridge, a second 'Bridge of Hope' has been planned, some 10 miles down river from the site of the first bridge.

Another bridge is vital for this community, which still suffers from attacks by crocodiles and hippos in the river. Some children even cross the river to attend primary school and many going to secondary school have to cross the river to get there.

On average 100 people risk their lives each day wading across the river, but following construction around 5,000 people will benefit from the new bridge. The location was carefully chosen and it will join the isolated and growing community on the north side of the river, to the village of Shakahola, which provides transport to Malindi and on to other parts of Kenya.  

Rev Stephen Richmond, Minister of Donegal Town congregation writes, “I had the privilege of attending the opening of the first foot bridge across the Galana river and saw firsthand the huge difference it has made to the local community in terms of access and safety”. 

Rev Eddie Dorrans has recently been appointed to oversee the construction of the new footbridge and made a three-week Galana in March. He and his wife Mary, plan to return to Galana in June when it is hoped construction of the bridge can begin. Over the past year, many companies of the Junior Boy's Brigade have been raising money to pay for the anchors of the bridge.

Why not get on your bike?

Why not get on your bike and join the sponsored cycle? Alternatively you could always support the riders on route!

Five members of Donegal Presbyterian Church are involved, along with others from various congregations throughout the Derry and Donegal Presbytery and others from as far as Coleraine, Ballymoney and Broughshane are showing an interest in taking part. 

Derek Roulston is planning to return to Ireland from Kenya to take part in the cycle ride! 

Further Information

Contact Rev Stephen Richmond by email: srichmond@presbyterianireland.org, or tel: +353 (74) 972 1113 (from NI) or 074 972 1113 (from ROI).

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