Preston parishes create 5K challenge for global covid response

Peter Towers

Following the cancellation of events over summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, parishioners from Preston, Lancashire decided to organise a socially distanced sporting event - all to raise much-needed funds for charity.

On Saturday 11 July, parishioners from across Preston will walk, run, cycle 5km to fundraise for the international development charity, CAFOD.

Participants will choose individual routes and times to complete the challenge. Organisers hope this unique event will help people to feel connected to their wider community, while also raising awareness for CAFOD's global coronavirus response.

Peter Towers, a parishioner at Saint Anthony's parish in Preston and CAFOD volunteer, is helping to organise the event. He said: "We will be taking up our challenges individually in the knowledge that we are together in spirit at one community event. Social distancing will be observed at all times.

"We are also inviting people to sign CAFOD's petition, which calls for debt cancellation in developing countries and urges the government to remember that we are one global family. Now is the time for the world to unite in love and compassion.

"We very much hope that members of other Preston parishes will join us."

This event is part of CAFOD's Summer of Hope. The campaign aims to inspire the nation to remain hopeful this summer by recreating cancelled events, virtually - while also supporting communities in developing countries through fundraising.

CAFOD's local representative, Patrick Gardner, said: "Although it'll be a while before our churches fully open in the way that we're used to, our parishes live well and truly on, and it is wonderful to hear of the different ways in which parishes are reaching out to their communities - and beyond."

Donations from this challenge will go towards CAFOD's coronavirus appeal, which is currently scaling up its support to local aid experts. These local experts are providing food to vulnerable families, as well as improving handwashing and sanitation facilities across communities.

Donate to the group's challenge at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cafodprestoncv and find out more about CAFOD's work at www. cafod.org.uk/coronavirus