Michael Rainey, a deputy head at St Peter the Apostle High School in Clydebank, is kayaking 23 miles for the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF).

He will set off on Monday (September 29) with friend and fellow paddler Father Andrew McKenzie, from St Joseph’s Tollcross.

After spending a month in Ethiopia during the summer, the 58-year-old returned deadset on raising money for the projects funded, run and managed by SCIAF.

He worked on progammes ranging from aid and small businesses to land preservation and irrigation, along with orphanages who deal with aids and HIV victims.

Mr Rainey, who lives in Dumbarton, said: “The work being done there is extremely important — it’s life changing. I visited them and there are now water pumps going in, and people are being given access to reservoirs.

“Villages now have water — people no longer have to spend two hours walking back from water pumps with water for their families.

“In terms of irrigation schemes it allows families to become self-sufficient and even sell their product.

“Business start-up schemes are now allowing parents to send their kids to school and to feed them properly.

“What SCIAF is doing with orphans is unique, they’re working alongside the Orthodox Church and Muslim faith to help those suffering from HIV and AIDs, as well as the stigma that goes with it.” The 58-year-old is a seasoned canoer and will be taking his sea designed vessel onto the calm waters of Loch Lomond.

But he admits it is going to be tough.

He added: “I’ve never done anything like this before — it’s lengthy, like a marathon. But in terms of condition it should be easily done as I’m using a sea canoe.” Donate to Michael at www.justgiving.com/SCIAF-Ethiopia