I’m taking on the challenge of 70K in May to help people push back against poverty. Poverty is cruel and relentless whether it's in the UK or elsewhere in the world.
Malnourishment and poverty affect more than 70% of people in Burundi and Christian Aid are working to empower families in there to build reliable and diverse incomes.
Aline, pictured above in rural Burundi, found a lifeline in Christian Aid after she felt the full force of extreme poverty when an early marriage ended in abuse and violence. Christian Aid helped her with small business training and she set up as a grocery wholesaler. Today, Aline can afford food, clothes, and essential healthcare for her family.
There are many more people Christian Aid could reach – and that’s why I’m fundraising and taking part in 70K in May.
The money raised can help ensure more people get the skills and knowledge they need to fulfil their hopes and ambitions. £10 could provide one person with the training that supports their family to set up a small business, such as selling home-grown vegetables.
Together we can make a lasting difference. Thank you very much for your support!
Donate now
Updates
"When we see Christian Aid, we feel comforted; we feel we are not alone. You helped us to change our poor living conditions. I really thank you from the very bottom of my heart."
Aline Nibogora (pictured above)
Congratulations! This activity has reached its target!
Congratulations! This activity has reached 75% of its target!
If you have kindly donated to this page and remained anonymous, I should add that even I don't know who you are! So I can't thank you personally, but it's brilliant that you have been so generous.
I have run 32km of my target of 70km in May and your encouragement is definitely helping me to keep on getting out there :)
Congratulations! This activity has reached 50% of its target!
Of course the second run of the challenge to reach #70kinMay not so upbeat as the first. But the run itself actually seemed easier. I used a 'Couch to 5k Plus' session and it's always good to reconnect with coach Laura. A great way to pace yourself and not set off too fast.
Further encouragement from the handsome chap in the photo - not mine, but I see him often in the early morning and he's always upbeat and keen to say hello.
May began with a perfect morning for a run. Not too hot, or raining, or cold. The leaves that wonderful shade of green as they first unfurl.
So even when it feels - as it should - like a bit of an effort to get up those hills, I try to remember to be grateful for the fact that I can run, and also that there are bluebells along the way.
... and I wish the running felt a bit easier! But I think it's just that first five minutes where you're sure you can't do it anymore. For me that is often uphill too. Donations and encouragement are definitely helping to boost my commitment to the challenge ahead. Thank you!
The official start is not until 1 May ... but I now declare this fundraising page open! It's time for action. Feeling inspired.
Congratulations! This activity has received its first donation!