Help Christian Aid fight poverty by walking Bede's Way

Wednesday 03 Mar 10

On 12 June 2010 a sponsored walk will take place along Bede’s Way from Wearmouth, Sunderland to Jarrow in aid of those living in poverty around the world. In order to raise as much as possible for development projects in the world’s poorest communities Christian Aid North East invites you to pull on your walking boots and help fight poverty step by step.

Signing up for Bede’s Way Sponsored Walk means you will be joining walkers and church leaders from around the North East. Right Reverend Mark Bryant, Bishop of Jarrow and Methodist District Chairs Reverend Leo Osborn of Newcastle and Reverend Ruth Gee of Darlington have already committed to complete the 12-mile trail between the monastic sites of St. Peter’s, Wearmouth and St. Paul’s Jarrow. The trail between the twin site Anglo-Saxon monastery, which has recently been featured on David Dimbleby’s BBC series ‘The Seven Ages Of Britain’ and on the BBC’s ‘Inside Out North East and Cumbria’, will be the UK’s nomination for World Heritage Site status in 2011.

The Bede’s Way Sponsored Walk is open to people of all ages from all faiths and none. Those who do not wish to attempt the whole 12 miles are invited to complete a 4 mile walk which finishes at the same point in time for entertainment from the Jarrow School Steel Band, refreshments and an optional church service, with a guaranteed finish in time for England’s debut World Cup Match You can choose to walk at your own pace or as part of a guided group along the well-marked route.

This is only the second annual Christian Aid Bede’s Way Walk yet the organisers are hoping to raise more than last year’s £11,500. Kerry Crellin, Christian Aid’s Senior Regional Coordinator, said “the more people that sign up for Bede’s Way Sponsored Walk, the more money will be raised to fight poverty in countries like South Africa. It’s a great opportunity to have fun and keep fit while making a difference for poor people’

There is no registration fee to take part but Christian Aid will be able to use participants’ sponsorship to help those in greatest need. Just £41 (£1 more than the minimum sponsorship required for an individual) could pay for a tap, toilet and sink for a poor Indian family. Or £60 (the minimum sponsorship for a family) is enough to equip two children orphaned by HIV for school in South Africa, providing stationery and uniform for a whole year.

To register for this fun and worthwhile walk, please contact Christian Aid on 0191 228 0115 or visit www.christianaid.org.uk/walks