Despite being a relatively poor country Cuba has achieved remarkable progress in the levels of literacy and educational achievement among its population over many years. This has not been without difficulties and in 2001 a charity was set up in memory of Kirsty MacColl, a well known musician who had a great love of the country, to support the efforts of the local people. It is called Music Fund for Cuba and has been working over the past few years to provide musical and educational equipment for Cuban schools.

This work continues and is funded by donations large and small from individuals like ourselves as well as companies and other organisations. The charity is registered in the U.K. and organises a cycle challenge over a route of 365 km. on an annual basis and invites interested individuals to take part and raise money in the process.

If you've read the account of our wedding John and Basia on this site you will know that we tend not to do things in the ordinary or the easy way. So during a casual conversation, while perusing a copy of The Big Issue, Basia spotted this Cuba Cycle Challenge and suggested we do it. The rest will be history eventually but first we have to train sufficiently to make the ride as painless as possible if we can't achieve making it a pleasure.

The other important part of the challenge is raising a target amount of cash (£1950 each to be precise) and this requires us to undertake various fundraising efforts.

We have sponsor sheets which we are taking to work and asking colleagues to donate to. We are clearing out unwanted stuff around the house and selling it via ebay. We have set up an online facility for donations from near and far at www.justgiving.com/johnandbasia The fundraising party night on 1st February was a great success and the next event will take place in OranMor, The Venue, 17th March with:
Tigers on Vaseline / Loris (acoustic set) / Jukes Tickets from ticketweb.co.uk John and Basia - Email John

It works with the National Centre of Arts and Music Schools (CNEArt) in Cuba to send and distribute materials to children and young people for music and performing arts education in Cuba. Charity Registration No 1096283