Local charity founder returns from eighth Uganda Marathon mission

A Deputy Headteacher from Shaw has completed his eighth Uganda Marathon visiting local schools and clean water projects funded by his own charity.

Steve Hill MBE travelled to the Masaka region of Uganda to help organise and take part in the internationally renowned Uganda Marathon. The event attracts runners from across the world and raises funds for community projects throughout the region. 
 
During his visit, Steve, a deputy headteacher at St Joseph's RC Primary School, also spent time at seven primary schools where the Team Hill Charitable Trust has funded the construction of new classroom blocks and toilet facilities, helping to improve educational opportunities and sanitation for thousands of children. 
 
He also visited three newly completed water wells funded by Team Hill in remote villages around Masaka. The wells are now providing clean, safe drinking water to communities that previously had limited access to reliable water sources. 
 
In addition, Steve visited several prospective sites where future wells could be installed by the charity, helping to identify communities most in need of support. 

The trip also strengthened links between children in Shaw and their counterparts in Uganda. Before travelling, pupils from Steve's class at St Joseph's wrote letters to children attending schools supported by the charity. During his visit, Steve was able to deliver the letters in person and collect replies to bring them back to the UK. 
 
The exchange has generated great excitement among his pupils, who have enjoyed learning about life in Uganda and discovering both the similarities and differences between their daily experiences. 
 
Speaking about the visit, Steve said: "Completing the Uganda Marathon for the eighth time was an incredible experience, but the real highlight was seeing the impact that Team Hill’s support is having on communities across Masaka. Visiting the schools, classrooms, toilets and water wells showed just how much can be achieved when people come together to help others. 

"It was especially rewarding to take letters from the children at St Joseph's and deliver them to pupils in Uganda. Seeing friendships develop and bringing replies back home has helped our children gain a real understanding of life in another part of the world. The excitement on their faces when they received their letters was wonderful to see." 
 
The Team Hill Charitable Trust has supported projects in Uganda for many years, focusing on education, sanitation and access to clean water. Through fundraising events and the generosity of supporters, the charity continues to invest in projects that create lasting benefits for local communities. 
 
Steve said the visit reinforced the importance of continuing the charity's work and highlighted the need for further support to help fund additional water wells and educational projects in the future. 
 
For Steve, the journey was another reminder that local fundraising in Oldham can have a profound impact on communities thousands of miles away, helping to transform lives through education, clean water and opportunity.