Essex teenager makes massive sports pledge for CAFOD

Alex Ugoh

A young student from Rainham in Essex has committed to doing 400,000 steps-worth of sporting activities over Lent to fundraise for global communities who do not have readily available clean water.

Inspirational student, Alex Ugoh, 18, has committed to doing 10,000 steps-worth of energy-inducing activities - from basketball, football, rugby, tennis, dancing and even mowing the lawn - every day during Lent, to fundraise for the estimated 2.2 billion people globally who do not have safe drinking water facilities.

"As someone who possesses huge aspirations to create meaningful change, the opportunity to highlight the importance of ending water poverty is a mission I am truly blessed to champion," explained Alex, who has recently started studying Political Economy at King's College, London.

"So for Lent, I will be combining my love for sports with my passion for making sure that water access for all is something that will be achieved soon,"

Alex's challenge is part of the national 'Walk for Water' event being run by UK charity CAFOD.

Alex hopes his efforts will help the charity achieve its ambition of logging enough steps to collectively walk a distance equivalent to the moon and back by Easter Sunday (4th April).

"My favourite moment so far has definitely been walking and taking in the incredible nature that my hometown has to offer," Alex explained.

"Sharing pictures of myself on my walks to my Instagram page has really proved that young people love supporting each other and has also led to some amazing conversations surrounding sustainable development."

The money raised from the 'Walk for Water' challenge will support local experts and communities to find the best solutions in each place where the charity works.

"Whether it's a well, piped system or rain harvesting, we will be setting up local water committees, allowing communities to take ownership and keep the water flowing," added Chris Driscoll, CAFOD's local representative in Essex.

"We would like to say a massive thank you to Alex for his efforts. We know that every step taken over Lent's 40 days has the power to truly transform lives."

You can donate to Alex's challenge here: https://walk.cafod.org.uk/fundraising/alexs-walk-for-water