The North Staffs Walk, held every year at Tittesworth Water, is an annual event which has raised more than £1 million over the years for Christian Aid, which helps projects in communities around the world.
It was launched by the Bishop of Stafford, the Rt Rev Matthew Parker, and the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Coun Lyn Sharpe, with special guest the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir Ian Dudson.
Organiser John Bamford, who is from Biddulph, said: “The walk went very well in good weather with sunshine and not too windy.
“It was wonderful to see around 150 walkers striding out in the countryside to raise money for those less fortunate than us around the world. We expect to raise well over £30,000 for Christian Aid’s work.”
He added: “Sir Ian, the Lord Lieutenant, was clearly impressed as he joined the walk, too. It was also good to see plenty of young people taking part.”
Alastair Johnston from Christian Aid said the enthusiasm from the walkers was “infectious”, adding: “The hard work of the amazing volunteers from the North Staffordshire Christian Aid Group on this year’s sponsored walk was obvious. I felt very honoured to be able to personally support and thank everyone involved.”
Mr Bamford added: “I’d like to thank the many people who contributed to the success of the event, including the many helpers on the day, as well as sponsors and the walkers themselves. They were following in the generous footsteps of so many over 35 years!”
The walk was held with permission from Severn Trent Water.
Money raised will help Christian Aid’s partners around the world empower vulnerable communities to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty.
Christian Aid was founded in 1945 to give aid to refugees in Europe after World War Two.
Since then, it has provided humanitarian relief and long-term development support to marginalised communities worldwide, while highlighting suffering, tackling injustice and championing people’s rights.
Last year, the charity worked with 260 partners to reach 4.5 million people via hundreds of projects, from savings and loans associations to farming co-operatives, and climate disaster risk training to healthcare schemes.
Find out more online at christianaid.org.uk.
