Sponsored walk is a step in right direction

SADDLEWORTH Palestine Women's Scholarship Fund charity walkers

WOMEN in Gaza will receive vital educational support after a sponsored walk drummed up more than £3,500 for their cause.

A total of 30 walkers took part in the 8.5-mile walk over Marsden Moor to Uppermill to help women in Gaza access university education.

Among the group were five members of the Saddleworth Palestine Women's Scholarship Fund (SPWSF) who organised the fundraising event on Sunday (14).

One of the group's organisers Jacqui Greenfield said: "We organise a number of fundraising events every year and were delighted that this, our second sponsored walk, was such a success."

The Scholarship Fund started in Sheffield in 2007 as a result of a 'Palestinian Women Speak' event which highlighted the plight of women in the Palestinian territory.

The Saddleworth group formed in 2012, with money for the Fund also being raised by Bolton Socialist Club. Together with the Bolton and Sheffield groups, the Fund currently supports 41 female students by covering their university fees.

Jacqui added: "This is the tenth year that the combined groups have been raising money for this cause and the aim is to reach a total of £100,000 before the end of the year.

"This event has made a wonderful contribution to our target."

A two-minute silence formed part of the walk on Sunday as participants reflected on the lack of freedom experienced by women in Gaza, in an area where education is often prioritised for sons rather than daughters.

The walk coincided with events commemorating Nakba day on May 15, 2017. Nakba ­- 'catastrophe' ­- marks the mass expulsion of more than 750,000 Palestinians from their homeland between 1947 and 1949.

To donate visit the website uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Saddleworth.