A RECENTLY married couple decided to help create a new future for women in Kenya instead of starting a family.

Craig and Lucy Noonan, who both work in the construction industry, will fly to Narok in south-west Kenya this summer, where volunteers and women fleeing forced marriages or female circumcision are building a women’s refuge.

Craig, a 28-year-old civil engineer, will work on installing drainage, toilets and other water services while Lucy, 29, a business development manager for a construction firm, will lay bricks, paint and do other work with some of the women who will use the refuge.

She said the Kenyan women were frightened of men and the project, called the Masai Rescue Centre, was particularly keen to have a woman construction worker to work with them.

“Instead of starting a family, we want to do something that is a bit different and do something that will make a difference,” said Lucy.

“I think my husband is getting very excited. I am getting quite nervous about it. Where we are going to be, it is quite rife with crime and dangerous, especially for women. I am glad I am going with my husband. I think it will be a life-changing experience for both of us.”

The couple were married last year. Their employers, both Leeds firms, are paying for their flights, accommodation and insurance.

Craig and Lucy, who live in Acomb, are hoping to raise £10,000 to give to the refuge to help cover its building costs and initial 12 months’ running costs. So far they have raised £3,000.

They were inspired to volunteer for the two-week trip by Lucy’s father, who regularly volunteers and found out about the Kenyan project through Mission Direct, an organisation that arranges overseas volunteering.

Initially, the refuge will house ten women who will be given food, shelter and education to help them start a new life.

• To sponsor the project, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/craigandlucy