Heather sees a nation in the teeth of a crisis (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Heather sees a nation in the teeth of a crisis

A CHIPPING Norton nurse, who has passed through Zimbabwe as part of a marathon bicycle ride from London to Cape Town, says toothpaste shortages are among the problems facing the troubled country.

Heather Gear, who celebrated her 25th birthday in the former colony on March 15, said: "I've heard of petrol shortages and maize rations - but I never thought finding a tube of toothpaste would be a problem!

"I couldn't help but conjure up an image of a nationwide halitosis epidemic, but the reality of the situation is heartbreaking."

Heather, who used to work at the town's War Memorial Hospital, is making the gruelling journey in a bid to raise £10,000 for the World Wildlife Fund and the Starfish Greathearts Foundation, which cares for children orphaned by Aids in her native South Africa.

Along with a team of four South Africans and one Englishman she has cycled through Europe and Africa, taking in nations such as Sudan and Ethiopia along the way.

She said that despite the problems that bedevil Zimbabwe, it was still a beautiful country.

"Despite the problems, upon which I prefer not to dwell, we had an absolutely fantastic time in Zimbabwe. Where else in Africa will you have zebra and hippos grazing on your lawn and elephants strolling through the town's streets?"

Heather and her team are on schedule to arrive in Cape Town on June 16, after passing through Zambia, Namibia and Botswana.

To make a donation to the team's chosen charities visit their website at www.trafalgarsquaretotablemountain.com.