Shropshire man raising cash for Nepal quake victims

Ant Eddies-Davies, who runs Live The Adventure outdoor activity company in Stottesdon, between Bridgnorth and CleoburyMortimer, is lining up a series of activities over the coming months to help restore services in the stricken country.

Mr Eddies-Davies, who has spent 25 years leading adventure trips in Nepal, said £25,000 would allow him to transform a community.

"It doesn't sound a lot to us in Britain, but it can really make a huge difference in a place like Nepal, it could rebuild a whole community, or it could rebuild a school," he said.

He said when he heard about the earthquake at Saturday lunchtime, his first thoughts were for his friends and colleagues who lived in the area.

"I have got a friend over there who I share an office with in Kathmandu, and she has got a broken leg," he said.

"There are others I have been in touch with who are all right, but there are still many I haven't been able to contact yet." He said he was shocked by the scenes of devastation caused by the quake, and fears the death toll will eventually reach 12,000.

"It has been on the cards for a while, but I don't think anybody quite expected anything on that scale," said Mr Eddies-Davies.

"I have been out there when there have been small earthquakes, when walls have fallen down, but nothing like that.

"I don't think we know the scale of it yet, I think it will be some time before we fully know what has happened."

Mr Eddies-Davies, 44, will fly out to Nepal next month to see what support he can offer and to gauge the long-term impact of the earthquake on the country and its people. He said: "The infrastructure in Nepal is such that there was no way they could deal with an incident of this scale.

"The people are some of the most resilient and adaptable I have ever met, they have been through so much over the last decade and are used to helping each other through times of hardship – however with a disaster of this scale they will need help – lots of help."

He said his telephone had been "ringing off the hook" in the past few days, particularly from his customers who had experienced Nepalese hospitality and wanted to help.

The first event will be an open day at the activity centre in the village's Old Vicarage on May 31, where he hopes to provide information and pictures from his visit.

"There will be a £5 entry fee, which will go towards the fundraising effort, and all the activities will be free," he said.

A paintball tournament will be held between 10am and 4pm on June 13, and a summer ball has been lined up for August 15.

A music festival has also been planned for September 13, featuring local bands, food and beers.

Mr Eddies-Davies has pledged to personally oversee the funds, ensuring every penny goes directly to those in need.

Donations can be made via a Paypal donation account at www.ovac.co.uk/nepal-earthquake-appeal.html or visit livetheadventure.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ovacadventure