My first time volunteering for CAFOD was back in 2007 and 2008, when me and some friends went along to the finish line of the Great North Run to cheer on those who were running for CAFOD. Fast forward a year and I was about to embark on a gap year with CAFOD and YMT in the first year of its new programme, 'Step into the Gap'.

During my time with YMT & CAFOD, I had the privilege of spending 5 weeks in Liberia visiting two of CAFOD's partners - Don Bosco Homes (which led to a lifelong affection and a lot more volunteering for the Salesians) and the Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (which introduced me to the typically Liberian way of resolving conflict - the 'palava hut'). This visit had such a lasting impact on me and has informed so much of the volunteering I went on to do, and my work now as a School Chaplain.

I’ve seen first hand the work that CAFOD partners do in West Africa and across the world, and so raising funds for these and other projects around the world is really important to me.

I have always wanted to run the GNR, especially after my first of many times cheering on those at the finish line. After getting to 30 during the first year of the pandemic, I concluded that I should probably start doing some exercise, and now after 18 months of gym-going and treadmill running, now is probably the right time to do it.

After all, I turn 33 this year: the age Jesus was when he died and so I am determined to make this a significant year and heed his call to live my life to its fullest (John 10:10).

I suppose I never thought I would ever run the GNR, but one thing is for sure: my first run could only be for CAFOD!

Information from CAFOD: 

By sponsoring me, you will be helping people like Maria:

Maria lives on the outskirts of a small town in north eastern Brazil. As a single mother, she has often struggled to make ends meet. Several years ago, along with 12 other women from her community, Maria turned a small patch of disused dumping ground into a profitable vegetable garden.The state of Piau (where Maria lives) in north east Brazil is one of the poorest regions in the country. Piau is very sunny which means the state has massive potential for solar energy production. However, because of the high costs involved, rural communities often have limited access to this energy. Our partner Caritas Brazil are promoting a new energy system that will ensure sustainable energy for poor communities which doesn't harm the environment.