Well known Shildon man, Kevan Gillan, is getting his hands dirty in a remote part of Kenya.
Kevan, who until recently worked for Stonham, supporting clients throughout Shildon, gave up his job and his Shildon home, after falling love with Christine, a Kenyan woman.
The couple were courting for around two years until their marriage in December 2016 where Shildon’s Revd. David Tomlinson was best man.
Following the rejection of Christine’s visa application, Kevan decided to relocate to Kenya and put his skills to work in a local village.
Introducing watermelons as an experimental crop, Kevan described how he ‘braved black Mamba’s’ to plough the land, with two oxen pulling the plough.
If successful, and agricultural experts say they will be, the watermelons could bring some real prosperity to a village that has known difficult times.
“These are great people” Kevan enthused, “they just need a hand up and they will be on the way.”
Christine who works for ‘Save the Children’ has encouraged Kevan with advice and introductions and the couple are expecting their first child later this year.
Kevan is now seeking to set up a not-for-profit foundation, channelling funds into giving local people a good future.
Donations are always welcome and can be sent via Saint John’s Church here in Shildon or through the Shildon Alive Hub.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
