Group draws inspiration from Marley Lion for fundraiser

Three thousand people are expected to take a figurative "walk in the shoes" of the billions of people across the world without access to clean water.

The 7^th annual Water Missions International "Walk for Water" is scheduled for this Saturday, March 23^rd.

"All the participants walk 3.5 miles and that's to symbolize the trek women and children in developing countries make every day for water," Water Missions International Special Events Coordinator Brittany Fogle said.

The money raised will go towards Water Missions International and their effort to provide sustainable safe water solutions to people in developing countries.

So far, more than $108,000 was raised ahead of the walk.  The top fundraising team is currently "Heart of the Lion," which was created in memory of Marley Lion.  The 17-year-old was shot and killed in a West Ashley parking lot on June 16^th.  Fogle said Marley's mother had contacted Water Missions International one week after her son's murder.

"[She said], 'We want to honor Marley's life because that's what we know he would've wanted and we want to give others the opportunity to have life and that's what Water Missions International does'," Fogle said.  "It's definitely spurred others to get involved and all of the people that were connected to Marley have definitely joined their efforts to be a part of that team and it's inspired all the public to get involved -- which is great."

"Walk for Water" will be held at Cannon Park in Charleston at 9am on Saturday, March 23^rd.  The registration fee is $20.

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