Kris plans huge trek for Somaliland hospital

Kris plans huge trek for Somaliland hospital

ORMISTON'S Kris McBride is embarking on a 1800km walk across Egypt in January to raise awareness and funding for a maternity hospital in Hargeisa.

Kris said growing up with five sisters provided impetus for the trip, which finishes at the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Hargeisa.

Kris leaves Cairo on January 2, 2012, heading south to Aswan (900km intending to walk 30km daily), taking the ferry to Wadi Halfa, walking to Atbara in central Sudan, then heading to the Red Sea. He said he intends to catch a boat down the sea to Dijibouti before walking the final 500km.

Kris will be joined by a friend, Chris, from England.

"We have been provided with a video camera from Ink Productions in the UK and a satellite phone from another company. We have also been given a few smaller things, so things are coming together," Kris said.

He said he was currently seeking more sponsors in order to kit out with trekking boots, a bag and gas cooker.

Kris moved to Ormiston at age eight, and attended Cleveland State High School.

"I am doing what I can to help the female population and highlight the facts facing these women in Somaliland," he said.