Sam Hunt and his fiancee Abby Hunnings ran 26.2 miles through Istanbul on Sunday 2nd November 2025. Funds raised will support WATSAN’s gravity flow scheme in Kazuru.

Sam and Abby took part in the 47th Istanbul Marathon, the only intercontinental marathon in the world. The route connects Europe and Asia, taking in Istanbul’s historic charm and stunning views, including breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, and ending near the iconic Sultanahmet Mosque.

Sam, whose dad James has recently become a trustee of WATSAN, says: “Running a marathon is something I’ve always wanted to do. I had heard of how much of a challenge it is, and I wanted to see for myself!

“I was very keen to raise money for WATSAN as it is a charity close to my heart, as my Grandad is the founder. I’ve been out to Uganda on two separate occasions, and it was truly life changing for me. The Ugandans have such a joyful attitude to life, despite having so little, which is something that we don’t see in the UK. For me it showed that satisfaction and contentment doesn’t come from the possessions and the provision we have, but a relationship with God.”

The trustees are really grateful to Sam and Abby for their dedication to WATSAN, including as volunteers on the most recent St Peter’s trip to Uganda, and in supporting with our communications.

So far Sam’s fundraising page has raised over £640 in donations and Gift Aid. There is still time to support his efforts – you can give to his page here!

We share our huge thanks to two longstanding trustees who are retiring from WATSAN’s Board, and welcome three new trustees.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of three new trustees, who have joined WATSAN’s UK Support team:

Two other Board members have stepped down from their official trustee duties, and are involved in WATSAN in a less formal capacity as associates and general supporters:

Ellie Bensted has been WATSAN’s Secretary since the charity was founded by her husband Ian in 2004. During her 20+ years involvement with WATSAN, Ellie has built and stewarded our base of donors, resulting in over £1m in donations during our history. She has administered the charity’s governance, and hosted and minuted hundreds of trustee meetings. She has organised many successful fundraising events, from weekend-long walks for water to our anniversary tea party in 2024. Without Ellie and Ian, who handed over WATSAN’s Chair to Graham Piper last year, WATSAN simply would not exist, and over 200,000 people in Uganda would be without water and sanitation.

Andrew Maclean has been a WATSAN trustee since 2013, bringing his expertise as a chartered engineer with 30 years of experience, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, including Rukungiri, where he worked for WaterAid on the project that later became WATSAN. Many of the schemes that WATSAN still supports were Andrew’s original project, and he provided training to several of the engineers still active as part of the project in Uganda.

We cannot thank Ellie and Andrew enough for their astounding 33 combined years of trusteeship of WATSAN Uganda – UK Support, and for their continuing support of WATSAN’s work.

If you are interested in becoming a WATSAN trustee or associate, please do contact us.

Six local walks took place in Leicestershire, The Cotswolds, Hampshire, Somerset, Kent and West Sussex, raising £16k for the next phase of our ambitious gravity flow scheme.

Photos and full story to follow!

WATSAN Uganda is pleased to report strong progress on the Kazuru gravity flow scheme, a major infrastructure project designed to bring clean, safe water to communities. The work completed this quarter marks a significant step forward in improving public health and daily life for hundreds of households.

Improved access to water

Engineering milestones

This quarter saw the completion of over 1.3 km of trenching for pipeline installation, the construction of three stream crossings to maintain uninterrupted flow, and thorough leak testing and junction connections to ensure system integrity. These technical achievements mean that water is now flowing safely and consistently to the tap stands, reducing the time and physical burden of collecting water and lowering the risk of waterborne disease.

Sanitation and hygiene improvements

Demonstration homes and composting

Three new demonstration homes were established this quarter, showcasing best practices in hygiene and sanitation. Composting is also becoming more widespread, with 47 households using three-pile systems and 58 opting for compost pits – reducing waste and improving soil quality.

Community leadership and training

Two stakeholder meetings were held at Rushamba Church of Uganda, bringing together WATSAN staff, local government officials, and religious leaders. Water User Committees were trained in hygiene promotion, financial management, and community engagement. Each committee includes a chairperson, secretary, treasurer, caretaker, and two additional members. These groups play a vital role in maintaining the infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Looking ahead

WATSAN Uganda UK Support is contiuing to fundraise towards Phase 2 of the Kazuru scheme. This will include the installation of toilet facilities in schools and other institutions along the pipeline; and the extension of the pipeline into the Batwa community – a particularly marginalised group in Ugandan society, living on the outskirts of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Donate or fundraise towards Phase 2

A new protected spring has been constructed in Nyarutare cell, bringing clean water to more than 70 households – an estimated 450 people – in a previously water-stressed area. The project was made possible by fundraising from St Mark’s Church Holbrook, whose commitment to serving others reflects their mission to “know Christ and make Him known.”

Located at the foot of the hills, the spring was long considered the best local source for cooking and drinking, despite being an open well. Its proximity to a marshy swamp made construction challenging, but the community came together to excavate a long drainage channel and support the build. Their participation has helped ensure the spring’s long-term sustainability and local ownership.

Though the spring is yet to be officially commissioned, it is already in use and has been met with deep gratitude. Residents have expressed heartfelt thanks to NKKD WATSAN and to the donors who made this possible – recognising the care and commitment shown through the gift of safe water.

This project is a clear example of faith in action – transforming lives through practical support and shared purpose.

Find out how you can put your faith into action