LIBERIA: 100,000 steps for Africa… in Africa

The pastoral centre in Liberia's Diocese of Gbarnga was mainly built by former child soldiers. The diocese retrained a number of former child soldiers as carpenters and masons and offered them work putting up the pastoral centre.
The pastoral centre in Liberia's Diocese of Gbarnga was mainly built by former child soldiers. The diocese retrained a number of former child soldiers as carpenters and masons and offered them work putting up the pastoral centre.

To raise funds for vital projects in Africa two charity workers are set to walk 100,000 steps – but they’re doing their sponsored walk in Africa.

Dr Caroline Hull, national director of Aid to the Church in Need (UK) and John Pontifex, the charity’s head of press and public affairs, will be undertaking the fundraising challenge while on a project trip to the north African nation of Liberia.

Dr Hull said: “John and I were keen to take on a walking challenge for ACN.

“We knew we were heading to Liberia in the run-up to #RedWednesday, so we thought walking for Africa in Africa fit the bill perfectly.”

The pair are undertaking the activity to help the charity’s £100k4Africa challenge.

As ACN has secured matched funding for every penny raised for Africa up to £100,000 before Christmas, they were keen to do their bit for the cause.

John Pontifex said: “This initiative takes the idea of ‘going the extra mile’ a lot further than I’d bargained for when we settled on the plan to go to Liberia – but I have always been up for a challenge.

“I’ve travelled widely in Africa, and seen the devastation caused by jihadism in Nigeria and the legacy of oppression in Sudan, so I know that the money we raise will be contributing to vital projects for those who have had their lives blighted by extremism and persecution.”

The ACN project trip to Liberia will assess initiatives the charity is already supporting and explore new ways of helping the Church.

By walking 100,000 steps each, they will cover a combined distance of approximately 100 miles.