Cheshire, 28 December 2020 - Cheshire resident, Christine Williams, has raised an incredible £6193.75* for Save the Children after challenging herself to walk 1,000 miles by Christmas. 77-year-old Christine set herself this challenge after walking a remarkable 500 miles throughout the summer when the country went into lockdown.
Having celebrated 60 years of fundraising for Save the Children last year, Christine said: “I really wanted to do something special for the charity this year after I was awarded the British Empire Medal for my 60 years of service as a fundraiser. It was such an incredible honour. My mother was always interested in charity work when I was young so I was brought up helping others.”
Christine, from High Legh, began this challenge back in March. She was joined by her two-year-old granddaughter Everly for her very first fundraising event. Everly walked with her for ½ mile a day through the summer to hit their original target of 500 miles, and was beside her grandmother when Christine finally notched up 1,000 miles. Everly is the fourth generation of Save the Children supporters in the family after Christine’s mother helped to form the children’s charity’s Cheadle & Gatley Branch.
Christine said: “Walking for the charity has really given me a sense of purpose during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has really kept me going even when times were tough and I couldn’t see the family. Knowing that by walking everyday I was helping others spurred me on – especially when it was cold throughout winter!
“I still can’t believe I have managed to complete this challenge. After two ankle operations I never in a million years thought I would ever do something like this but I was so determined and it has all paid off. I am absolutely blown away with the amount of money raised and can’t thank everyone enough who has donated and supported me”.
All money raised will help Save the Children provide opportunities for vulnerable children – not just here in the UK, but in more than 100 countries across the globe.
Annabel Garner, Community Fundraising and Engagement Manager, said: “Huge congratulations and thanks to Christine! What an achievement. We are so grateful for the support of Christine and her family. To have Everly involved as a fourth generation of support at such a young age is really very special.
“Save the Children’s work is only possible thanks to people like Christine and Everly and their amazing commitment to make the world a better place for children. Together, we help every child become who they want to be.”
If you would like to read more about Christine’s challenge and support her fundraising, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tiddletoddle
For more information on Save the Children, visit www.savethechildren.org.uk
For more information or to speak to Christine please contact media@savethechildren.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
About Save the Children;
Save the Children exists to help every child reach their full potential. In the UK and around the world, we make sure children stay safe, healthy and keep learning, so they can become who they want to be. For more information visit www.savethechildren.org.uk
*Includes £581.75 Gift Aid
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