Brendan Poynton to cycle from Chiswick to play a gig in Croyde for charity

A bike journey of over 200 miles is set to challenge singer, songwriter Brendan Poynton as he sets off from Chiswick to play a gig at The Thatch in Croyde, North Devon.

Planned over three nights, Brendan will spend his journey raising awareness for The Butterfly Tree, a charity's that aim to assist rural communities in Zambia, such as Mukuni, that have been decimated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Zambia.

Brendan, along with his friend Valerie Buchanan, recently visited the country to visit a school in Mukuni and were touched by the hundreds of children that have been orphaned through the HIV/AIDS pandemic. “It was particularly distressing to experience” said Brendan, “But I was amazed at the resilience of the children and the positive outlook they have. We tried to capture the imagination of the children through the medium of music to help explain the importance of education regarding HIV/AIDS”.

Inspired by the work of the charity, Brendan and Valerie staged a number of music workshops teaching the children how to play the guitar. “The response was fantastic” said Brendan, “And I am now on a quest to raise funds to build a music and drama centre at the village Mukuni for the benefit of the children who have little to do outside the school curriculum”.

Brendan sets off on his mission from Turnham Green on Thursday 30th September completing his first leg at Amesbury, Wiltshire, where licensee of the Fairlawn Hotel, Tracey Docwra, has generously offered to accommodate Brendan overnight. Day 2 sees him ride from Amesbury to Glastonbury, landing at the Pilgrims B&B where again his accommodation will be complimentary thanks to Clare and Brian. Day 3 finishes at Wheddon Cross, Exmoor, where the Sundial Guest House has hit the hat trick of kindness with Steve and Margaret Robinson giving Brendan a bed for the night. The following morning, 3rd October, Brendan sets off on his final leg to The Thatch in Croyde, where he will perform to the crowds, standing not sitting!

“The generosity of the bar and hotel owners has been amazing” said Brendan, “Only matched by the generous donations and support from friends, family and local businesses. We are aiming to raise £10,000 for the centre and this is the first part of my journey to achieve that” he added.

Jany Kaye-Bailey from The Butterfly Tree said “Brendan is using his music to make a difference. He and Valerie made a huge impact on the school and such was the interest and excitement shown by the children that Brendan left behind his instrument of hope, the guitar, to show the children that he is committed to returning to help build them a future through music”.

You can follow Brendan’s mission at www.brendanmission.com and support him with a donation through www.justgiving.com/brendansmission.

September 23, 2010