In 2007, I spent the summer in Ethiopia working CAFOD and the Daughter’s of Charity. It was a genuinely life changing experience that showed me exactly how CAFOD work with partners to help those most in need.

It wasn't the first time that I'd volunteered for CAFOD, having worked at the V festival for a number of years with the team, and having been involved in many fundraisers through the different schools I have worked in over the years - soup lunches for Family Fast Day, car washing, leg waxing, World Gift goats instead of Christmas cards...

When I returned from Ethiopia, I ran the Great South Run for CAFOD to ensure the work that I had seen first hand could continue - and those who had genuinely become friends would be supported in an ongoing way.

For my 40th birthday, I decided that I wanted to run a marathon - I have completed many half marathons, but never run any further. And so it seemed to make sense to combine that ambition, while supporting a charity very dear to me.

Thank you in advance for anything you can give.

Chelmsford Weekly News (2007):

Fundraising Events:

Thursday 27th February: Paint & Sip Night hosted by Upminster Paint Circle - TBC raised

Saturday 21st December: St Joseph’s Club Christmas Party saw 50% of profit donated - £500 raised. A huge thanks to Frankie Spangle & Friends

December 2024: Staff and student donations to our St Bon's Advent fundraising including staff swapping Christmas cards for CAFOD World Gifts and a student non-uniform day - £1500 raised and featured on ICN

Tuesday 7th November: Family Fast Day Soup Lunch at St Bonaventure's [Link] - £378.61 raised

Saturday 16th November: FUNdraiser Quiz & Bingo at St Joseph's Catholic Club [Link] - £1,255 raised (split between Andy Lewis and Matt Tisi)