Volunteer returns to Nepal after second devastating earthquake

Ant Eddies-Davies, who runs Live The Adventure outdoor activity company in Stottesdon, between Bridgnorth and Cleobury Mortimer, has launched a fundraising campaign to raise £25,000 for the aid effort.

His trip will take him from Kathmandu to Sukute and other parts of the regions affected by the two major earthquakes that hit the country.

Mr Eddies-Davies, who has spent 25 years leading adventure trips in Nepal, said he would spend his five days out there assessing what long-term projects the money raised should be used for.

Homes, schools and medical centres have been completely destroyed and Mr Eddies-Davies said he was determined to find long-term solutions.

The 44-year-old said he was feeling apprehensive about seeing schools and community projects that he had helped to create flattened in the disaster.

He said: "At the moment the aid pouring in is helping with temporary measures such as shelter and food and medical care. I will be spending five days looking at what can be done in the long-term such as rebuilding those schools and community buildings that have collapsed.

"We will be talking to people on the ground to work out what is needed and this will allow us to come back home to allocate the funds raised to the best place. They are a very adaptable people, very determined but what they need is financial help. If a country could recover it is Nepal because the people are so resilient. "

He said when he heard about the first earthquake his first thoughts were for his friends and colleagues who lived in the area. "I have got a friend over there who I share an office with in Kathmandu, and she has got a broken leg," he said.

He said he was shocked by the scenes of devastation caused by the quake, and fears the death toll will eventually reach 12,000.

So far, more than £5,000 has been donated by generous residents for Mr Eddies-Davies' fundraising campaign.

Mr Eddies-Davies has pledged to personally oversee the funds, ensuring every penny goes directly to those in need.

He has planned a series of events over the coming months to raise cash.

He said his telephone had been 'ringing off the hook' in the past few days, particularly from his customers who had experienced Nepalese hospitality and wanted to help. The first event is an open day at the activity centre in the village's Old Vicarage on May 31, where he hopes to provide information and pictures from his visit.

"There will be a £5 entry fee, which will go towards the fundraising effort, and all the activities will be free," he said.

A paintball tournament will be held between 10am and 4pm on June 13, and a summer ball has been lined up for August 15 and a .

A music festival has also been planned for September 13, featuring local bands, food and beers. Donations can be made via a Paypal donation account at www.ovac.co.uk/nepal-earthquake-appeal.html or visit livetheadventure.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ovacadventure