The female sand flea, which is also known as a jigger in Uganda, is causing untold suffering to children. You can help Feed The Children stamp out this pain in the foot simply by taking a stroll in the country at the beautiful Westonbirt National Arboretum on 25th April.
Pull on your Wellingtons and boots and join the 5km sponsored walk in the grounds of the Arboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire on Sunday 25th April 2010 at 11.30 a.m. As well as getting some fresh air and exercise among the trees, you can even donate your boots (or any wellies) to this very good cause!
Jiggers embed themselves predominately in the skin of children’s feet and ankles, where they feed on the blood and flesh of their host. Heavy infestations can lead to severe inflammation, ulceration and fibrosis. Lymphangitis, gangrene, sepsis, the loss of toenails, auto-amputation of the digits and even death are potential outcomes. The females lay around 100 eggs each and thirty days later the process can start again.
The little flea with a big ‘bite’ is just one of the campaigns run by Feed The Children (UK), which is promoting a programme to help stamp it out from some of the worst affected areas in Africa. You can help the charity’s two-year project, and others, simply by taking part in the walk – visit www.feedthechildren.org.uk to find out more.
The wellie walk is for all ages and the walk will take around an hour. Dogs are more than welcome. There is a minimum sponsorship of £4 per person. To get your sponsorship form simply sign up on-line at www.feedthechildren.org.uk or ring 0118 932 0095. By having at least £4 sponsorship on your form you get free access to the arboretum for the day.
Melissa Corkhill is the editor of The Green Parent magazine, mother of two and author of the book Green Parenting
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