Christian Aid Week

Meet Bob. Bob, Allan and a team of walkers from Larne hiked along the Antrim Way from Ballyboley Forest to Slemish to fundraise as part of the 70k in May challenge.

Here’s Bob’s experience of the event: ‘The six team members all got to Ballyboley Forest car park for a 9am start in beautiful weather; starting with a short time of prayer. As we left the forest and joined the Glenhead track, the views were magnificent, with the top of Slemish clearly seen 12 miles away. The last three miles were off road and the track had completely disappeared, just the occasional marker post. That was tough going. We finally met Rev Julian Hamilton at the top of the mountain and gave thanks for God's creation that surrounded us, then went down to the car park where we were joined by others for a short service for Christian Aid. After some sweaty hugs, we parted company. A great day and a great way to end The Walk.’

Meet Lynda. She organised a ceilidh at First Holywood Presbyterian Church in County Down, to encourage people to step out against poverty and raised an incredible £1300 for Christian Aid Week. We want to thank Lynda and the team of people who helped prepare and serve food at the event, as well as Keith, the fabulous caller.

Meet Suzanne. A 76-year-old cancer survivor from East Belfast who walked 70km in May to raise money for Christian Aid Week. Suzanne received surgery in 2020 to treat malignant lesions that made sitting and walking unbearably painful. She is now able to walk again pain-free and hopes to raise as much money through her walking challenge as possible. “I’m so thankful that I’m a survivor of cancer, and my enjoyment of walking can be put to such a good cause for Christian Aid,” she said.

Meet the team from First Lisburn Presbyterian Church. They hold a regular Coffee Dock Café at their church and to mark Christian Aid Week they donated £1000 to support the appeal. Karin, the Coffee Dock coordinator kindly explained, ‘The Coffee Dock Café is part of our outreach ministry, welcoming people from the community of Lisburn and beyond for refreshment and fellowship. We recognise and applaud the work your organisation does to support people in crisis and hope this donation will assist in your mission.’

Meet Jennifer and the team from Newtownbreda (St John’s) Presbyterian Church. They organised a pop-up boutique selling women’s pre-loved wedding and occasion wear, all kindly donated by members of their church, during Christian Aid Week at First Avenue Coffee Company on Belfast’s Ormeau Road, to raise funds for our work.

Meet our colleagues, Sarah and Joanna. They were part of a team celebrating the work of Christian Aid at this year’s Balmoral Show. We told Aline’s story by encouraging members of the public to join in cycling 70km each day, reaching various landmarks which have been significant in Aline’s journey out of poverty. We shared carrot seeds, bicycle lights and stories of hope with thousands of people over the four days!