TWO Westbury residents have so far raised over £750 to help farmers in Kenya to grow enough food, access clean water and earn a secure living by cycling over 180 miles.

In just four days, Paul Bennett and Wayne Ward, who both work at energy company BSSEC, successfully completed a 180-mile cycle along the Wessex Way route.

They decided to organise the cycle after hearing about the problems in Kitui, Kenya and wanted to fundraise for CAFOD and the work they are doing in that region.

Mr Bennett, executive chairman at BSSEC, said: “BSSEC has sponsored projects in Kitui for over four years. We like the idea that we are involved with this community on an ongoing basis, it feels more real and tangible. Cycling this route to raise money was a great challenge over rough terrain.”

Over the past decade, soil erosion and poor amounts of rain have turned Kitui from green and fertile land to barren fields, meaning people in the area struggle to grow enough crops to grow enough food and secure a living.

The duo decided to organise an unsupported expedition in aid of the project in Kitui, sleeping out in the open air under a shelter and surviving on tins of beans.

CAFOD representative in Westbury, Elizabeth Baldwin, said: “The bike ride that these guys have completed is amazing.

“They have put in months of training and hard work but it has all paid off as they have raised a fantastic amount which will go towards helping a whole community plan for a better future.”

To donate to Paul and Wayne’s justgiving page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Bssec-Ltd/