Annual charity walk sees hundreds going extra mile

Money raised from this year’s event will go to help Ukraine

HUNDREDS of walkers gathered to take part in the annual Staffordshire Moorlands walk for Christian Aid on Saturday.

The event, which took place at Tittesworth Water in Meerbrook, was launched by the Bishop of Stafford, Matthew Parker and the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-trent.

It comes after the last two year’s events were cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The event attracted people from a wide area and walkers had the choice of either two or five mile walks.

The walk, which is one of the most successful Christian Aid events, is hoping to have raised thousands of pounds. Just three years ago the walk hit the £1million total fundraising mark.

Organiser John Bamford said: “The day went extremely well. We have had an excellent turnout of people for the walk and we hope to have raised several thousands of pounds for Christian Aid.”

Speaking to walkers prior to the walk starting, Andrew Binns of Christian Aid, said: “Christian Aid is so grateful as this event has raised lots of money. There is a lot of work that goes into planning it.

“Over the years the money has helped in refugee crisis, now in 2022 we have the Ukraine crisis.

“The Ukraine collection has been fantastic and thank you for your help. Your donations have never been so important.

“Thanks go to the volunteers and to Severn Trent Water for staging the walk.”

Rev Matthew Parker said: “It is lovely to see you. Covid has brought back the joy of walking, as this was all we could do. We have reconnected with the countryside.

“Christian Aid is doing vital work and the money has been used to provide water and schools.”

The walk was started in 1991 at Trentham Gardens, but more than 20 years ago was moved to Tittesworth Reservoir.

The first event raised £4,600. This kept increasing each year until it reached its maximum figure in 2009 of £53,386.