For over 70 years, Christian Aid has been standing with the poorest of our neighbours, with people of all faiths and none, to stand up for dignity, equality and justice.

Christian Aid is responding to the coronavirus crisis and supporting essential community health work around the world.  For example, in Myanmar our local partners have distributed soap to more than 30,000 people, and masks to 2,000.

Every year during Christian Aid week, volunteer collectors raise money within their communities.  Many who generously give during Christian Aid week have been doing so for years, and know the collectors personally.  For the volunteer collectors, raising the donations each year is a labour of love involving a lot of conversations and shoe-leather as they go home to home, delivering and collecting donation envelopes.

This year, Coronavirus has made it impossible to go ahead with our usual fundraising activity, and it is a worrying and financially tough year for everyone. Yet the work of Christian Aid is so important, especially now, when people in poorer countries are a lot less equipped to cope with coronavirus than we are in the UK.

I want to show my gratitude for the whole Christian Aid team in beautiful Ryedale, North Yorkshire including co-ordinators, volunteer collectors and regular donors.   So to mark 2020 I'll help to tidy up 20 of the Northern Ryedale communities in 20 days.  I’ll do this by picking up litter (whilst maintaining social isolation).  Our local wildlife will benefit too!

I'd be delighted if my walk around Northern Ryedale helps to provide a path to unite us with our global neighbours.  Please consider making a donation to Christian Aid to support the amazing work they do (and help keep me motivated with the litter-picking).  I'll add updates and
pictures as I go.  Or please just give a friendly wave if you see me, that would also mean a lot.