George Benson will be taking part in WaterAid’s Tough Sh!t race on 15 October to raise awareness of the 2.3 billion people worldwide who do not have access to a clean toilet.
For one in three people around the world, their toilets are makeshift, overflowing, or simply don’t exist, spreading diarrhoeal diseases that kill around 315,000 children every year. Women going to the toilet outside may face harassment and even attack, and girls drop out of school unable to manage their periods privately. Chances of education and a better future are all but lost.
Tough Sh!t is the UK’s only toilet-themed obstacle course. During the ten-kilometre race, those taking part will have to “conquer the Toiler Toil, make it across the Sewers Canal, and survive the Poo Catcher”. George, WaterAid‘s first YouTube ambassador, announced his participation in a vlog on his channel:
“I’m quite competitive, so I’m looking forward to going up against the other teams to see how we get on,” he tells TenEighty. “I’m also roping in some friends and family, along with some other YouTubers. Not only will this be a great day out but there’s also a much more serious side to why I’m taking part: I hope to be able raise vital funds for WaterAid, allowing them to achieve their goal of providing safe clean water to everyone across the globe.”
He is, however, concerned about the distance of the race, admitting that his biggest worry is not being able to finish it. “Can you imagine me sitting here with a really embarrassed grin on my face? I’m getting a training session from fitness vloggers, the Lean Machines, who are going to put me through my paces. I am probably the most unfit I’ve been in my 22 years of existence right now, so could do with all the additional help!”
When asked what he would say to someone who hasn’t thought about the lack of access to clean water in the world, he says: “I would say to them to think about what it feels like to not be able to turn on the tap. Consider this amenity a luxury and try and find out more about the small lifestyle differences you can make to make a big difference.”
Viewers can support WaterAid by signing up to run with George in Tough Sh!t, and using the code JOINGEORGE will give them a 20% discount on their registration for the race.
More information about fundraising for the charity is available on its website.
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