Our very own Captain Tom as OAP Godfrey to walk 1,000 miles – from comfort of his home!
A DETERMINED octogenarian Godfrey Meynell is stepping out for charity in an ambitious 1,000-mile challenge – without leaving home.
The 89-year-old MBE, from Kirk Langley, is completing laps of a track until he reaches the equivalent of the distance from Land’s End to John O’groats.
The money he raises is in support of international development charity Christian Aid, which works through local partners, in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world.
Godfrey is no stranger to fundraising, having completed several other walking challenges, including a pilgrimage last year to St Julian’s Church, in Norwich, in memory of his wife of 62 years, Rev Honor Mary, who died in September, 2022.
And he has long been a champion of causes.
As a child, Godfrey helped his mum with house-to-house envelope collections during Christian Aid Week. He worked for the Government in Yemen and has also represented Queen Elizabeth as High Sheriff of Derbyshire.
In 1997, he stood for the Independent Green Party and in 2003, travelled to Baghdad with other anti-war protestors on a crusade for peace.
A keen climate justice campaigner, Godfrey supports the work of Christian Aid, which provides humanitarian aid; funds long-term sustainable projects to help communities cope with and adapt to the climate crisis; and campaigns for the UK government to take more action on the issue. Godfrey has completed more than 100 miles so far, walking around four miles a day, and hopes to complete his challenge in 200 days or so.
He said: “All round the world people are taking action on the climate crisis in all kinds of ways.
“I’m doing this walk because I’m Christian and because having worked in under-developed countries, I’m interested in raising money for the people there.”
His son, Godfrey Jnr, added: “Dad’s been passionate about the climate crisis since the 1990s and he takes his faith seriously as well. I’m proud of him for undertaking another challenge and hope people will support him.”
To support Godfrey, visit his Justgiving page: Godfrey Meynell is fundraising for Christian Aid (justgiving. com)
Having worked in underdeveloped countries, I’m interested in raising money for the people there.”
Godfrey Meynell