A HATFIELD man has set off on an arduous 1,000-mile trek across West Africa to raise funds for charity.

Charles Dawson-Amoah, of Scholars Walk, is in Sierra Leone for a 20-day hike in aid of Save The Children.

The 36-year-old ex-British soldier started his challenge in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, on Sunday and will finish in Accra, Ghana, on November 20.

Charles, who was born and raised in Ghana, told the WHT: “I have chosen work with Save the Children because I believe that we can all do something to improve the lives of children who are suffering in this world.

“I’m hoping all my friends, colleagues and anyone else who’d like to help me reach this goal will support me with a small donation – all funds raised will go directly to Save the Children.”

Charles, who came to the UK in 2002, chose to raise money for Save The Children after witnessing first hand the suffering of children in Africa.

“I have seen a lot during my time in Africa,” he said, “and I see it as my personal quest to raise awareness of these issues and spread the message to politicians, community leaders and the general public that there is still a lot to be done to protect children around the world.”

Charles, who works as a data analyst at DHL Express in Frobisher Way, Hatfield, is writing a blog during his journey.

It can be read at http://50forthechild.blogspot.com

To sponsor Charles, visit www.justgiving.com/charlesdawsonamoah