Total Raised: £521,000

On 17th October 2006, Vicky was killed by a lorry whilst bicycling to work. She is loved dearly by so many and her loss leaves a huge void. In the face of this, through the enthusiasm and goodwill of so many, the idea of Vicky's Water Project came about in the hope that something positive could spring from our loss.

Vicky left us with many things and one was the knowledge of what would represent a fitting legacy in her memory. While at Newcastle University studying for a geography degree and then an M Phil in Water Development, she spent many months in Ethiopia and South Africa. Therefore it seemed right to identify a cause within the area for which she had such a passion.

Our hope was to find one clearly defined practical project that would give all its supporters a clear sense of ownership and that would leave a really worthwhile long term legacy.

While preparing her dissertation in 1999 Vicky worked with ActionAid on a water project providing clean running water to Dalocha in Ethiopia and we have worked with ActionAid to identify a similar Ethiopian venture that Vicky's Water Project could support.

On the day that Vicky was killed she was carrying £10.88 and these were the very first funds paid into Vicky's Water Project. On these foundations it is the intention of Vicky's family, friends and supporters to write a new chapter in her life.

The total for Vicky's Water Project now stands at over £521,000!

Thanks again to everyone who has shown their support for the project. We really have come a long way from our original target of £226,000 and our work to improve the lives of Ethiopia's poorest people is well and truly underway. Please visit Project Updates for the latest news.

In response to the fantastic support of Vicky's Water Project, ActionAid have created the Lera Town Fund. Read more.