53rd Lyme Park walk organised by Cheadle Hulme group

11 May 2022 01:10
Published by: Scott Callan

Local walkers are aiming to "give new hope" to those in Ukraine, Zimbabwe and around the world who are facing conflict and the climate crisis as they step out on the 53rd Lyme Park sponsored walk to raise funds for Christian Aid.

From the war in Ukraine forcing millions to flee from their homes to the climate crisis in Zimbabwe causing devastating drought and hunger, Christian Aid is raising money to help those in most need during crises.

The walkers will start and finish at St Martin's Church Shrigley Road North, Higher Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1TE on Saturday 28th May in support of Christian Aid Week.

Local organiser Gill Smith, from Cheadle Hulme Christian Aid group, said: "We are all facing hard times. People trapped in desperate poverty are having to contend not only with coronavirus but also the ravages of climate chaos and the atrocities of a war.

"Christian Aid Week is an opportunity to unite with those who are suffering and give them new hope, so they can build resilient futures for their families.

"The Cheadle Hulme Christian Aid group have organised a sponsored walk since 1968 and it has been held every year except in 2020 & 2021, (due to lockdown and the pandemic) so this is our 53rd walk.

"Walkers can choose one of our three different length routes, 3, 6 or 8 mile. Our 8 mile route round Lyme Park is popular and so is the 6 mile route a shorter and less strenuous circuit in the park. We have two gentle 3 mile self guided walks which can be combined to make a 6 mile walk with a refreshment stop back at St Martin's Church midway. Detailed maps are given to all walkers on the day.

"Registration at St Martin's Church, the start and finish points for all the walks, is between 10:00 and 11:00am on the day. You can look at information about the four walks to help you decide which route you would like to do. Routes are suitable for all ages and we welcome anyone, walking groups and families. Well behaved dogs are also welcome."

Funds raised during Christian Aid Week will help the humanitarian charity continue its to work, for example buying water taps for a community garden to building storerooms to store and preserve food.

Although Ukraine is nearly 7,000 miles away, Christian Aid has warned the war will drive up food prices in Zimbabwe and around the globe. Large amounts of the world's food, like wheat, comes from Ukraine. Without them, more people will be pushed to hunger.

In rural Zimbabwe, seven out of ten women rely on farming to earn a living and provide for their families. But with no rain, women can't grow enough food for their children. In times of drought, many families can only afford to eat one bowl of porridge a day.

Jessica Mwedzi lives in Chadanyika village, Mutoko District in the northeast of the country. She explains, "One year, we had no rain. The scorching sun burnt my crops just as they were about the bloom. It was so painful and disheartening."

She adds: "My children crave a decent meal, but I can't provide. It pains me to send them to bed hungry."

Through local partners, Christian Aid helps te most at-risk communities in Mutoko and Mudzi districts prepare for and adapt to the changing climate, empowering vulnerable communities to grow drought-resistant crops, build storerooms to preserve food for the dry months and learn new skills for alternative employment.

Darren Staunton, Christian Aid's church engagement officer for Cheshire said: "We are all connected. Whether it's fleeing violence or dealing with the effects of the climate crisis, those in desperate need must be supported.

"Over the years, I have seen the tremendous efforts of supporters across the North West determined to help transform the lives of the world's most vulnerable people. Please support the Lyme Park walk if you can, so together we can help our global neighbours."

To support the Lyme Park walk visit https://www.christianaid.org.uk/events/lyme-park-sponsored-walk-0

This Christian Aid Week your gifts could transform lives.

£5 raised could buy water taps for a community garden

£15 could buy drought-resistant seeds like sorghum or millet to help 10 farmers like Jessica to grow food

£60 could train 50 women farmers to adapt and grow food in the changing climate

£250 could help a family build a storeroom, and provide seeds and fertilisers

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