Bolton fundraiser Elsie Peel went the extra mile for vulnerable communities around the world, walking 70k in a month.

Despite undergoing chemotherapy, the 86-year-old former teacher, took part in a 70K in May challenge as part of this year’s Christian Aid Week 2024.

The idea was to cover 70 kilometres in whatever way you like, in solidarity with millions of people who have to walk long distances for clean water or to sell their produce.

Elsie said: “I decided to do this because I feel we’re fortunate in this country – so many others around the world are pushed to the brink of survival.

“Christian Aid has done so much to empower people, and especially women, in many countries and I believe it needs all our support to keep up this work.

“I walked 70k locally, round Doffcocker Lodge and enjoyed getting out in nature. There was the extra challenge of undergoing chemotherapy but the doctors said I should get plenty of exercise so I thought this was a good way to do it.

“I’m really pleased to say I raised £903 and would like to thank everyone who sponsored me.”

Money raised during Christian Aid Week will help the organisation’s partners empower vulnerable communities to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty.

This year’s appeal focussed on work in Burundi, one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in Africa. Heavily reliant on agriculture, it’s also one of the least prepared to combat the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides. The global cost of living crisis has intensified the challenges: more than 70 per cent of the population live in poverty and more than half of children are chronically malnourished.

Christian Aid has been working in Burundi since 1995 when it first offered humanitarian assistance to people surviving the civil conflict. Now, alongside local partners, the organisation helps establish Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs). These community-led groups mean people can save and borrow money, making small businesses possible, offering reliable and diverse incomes so families can eat regularly, get medicine when they need it, and build safer homes.

to find out more, visit https://www.christianaid.org.uk/.