Christian Aid supporter Tony McDougal marked the charity’s 80th anniversary with an 80 km walk in memory of his father, raising £1540.
The organisation was founded in 1945 to give aid to refugees in Europe after World War Two. Since then, it has provided humanitarian relief and long-term development support to marginalised communities worldwide, while highlighting suffering, tackling injustice and championing people’s rights.
Tony, from Dorchester, walked of 80km over three days along Dorset’s beautiful Jubilee Trail from Forde Abbey to Moreton just prior to Christian Aid Week in May. In beautiful weather, and accompanied part of the way by friends, Tony raised over £1540 in sponsorship.
He explained: “I covered 80km to mark this 80th anniversary. My late father, Canon John McDougal, was a supporter of Christian Aid for nearly 70 years and he passed away from covid on May 8, 2020 – five years to the day of the start of the walk. This was an opportunity to give thanks for his life and support Christian Aid as part of our national effort to help communities fight the effects of the climate crisis.
“I thought this was a great way of showing solidarity with millions of people who have to walk long distances for clean water or to sell their produce. Thanks to everyone who sponsored me so generously.”
Christian Aid works alongside local partners, providing practical help in times of crisis and beyond. It seeks to eradicate extreme poverty by tackling its root causes, and sharing and distributing power.
Last year (2024), the organisation worked with 260 partners to reach 4.5 million people via hundreds of projects, from savings and loans associations to farming co-operatives, and climate disaster risk training to healthcare schemes.
Find out more at www.christianaid.org.uk
1. Tony McDougal (in red tee shirt) on his 80km with friends from Dorchester Baptist Church (and dog Monty)