Linking Lives UK has benefitted from a marathon 13 day sponsored walk by a father and two sons along the Offa’s Dyke Path.
The Walking Challenge!
The Offa’s Dyke Path runs from Chepstow to Prestatyn and Kevin Jesty and his sons Tom & James (aged 15 & 18) decided to take up the challenge earlier in 2023. Offa’s Dyke Path is a 177 mile (285 Km) long walking trail passing through eight different counties and crossing the border between England and Wales over 20 times!
They began on 18th August and crossed the ‘finish line’ on Wednesday 30th August. They mostly camped along the way and were immediately hit by Storm Betty which came across Wales on their first night! Averaging 14 miles of walking each day, they made great progress despite the inevitable painful feet and limbs!
When planning the challenge, they saw the opportunity to raise funds for charity at the same time and we were delighted that they selected Linking Lives UK and one more charity to receive sponsorship.
The Fundraising Challenge!
Linking Lives UK works with churches, Christian organisations and other agencies that have an interest in addressing social isolation and loneliness among older people. This is achieved through the establishment of befriending schemes using a tried and tested approach in which volunteers visit or telephone those requesting the service. Other activities include regular volunteer training called ‘Good Conversations’ for those involved in community events and activities on a local level and the ‘Power of One’ webinar. National Director, Jeremy Sharpe, explains ‘the money raised through this challenge will enable us to build more links with churches and Christian groups to support those struggling with loneliness to engage with the wider community’.
So far, £1,200 has been raised for Linking Lives UK and any further donations will be a real encouragement as they have just come to the end of their journey. Donations can still be made online by clicking the link below:
https://www.stewardship.org.uk/pages/offasdykewalklinkinglivesuk
(or search Stewardship for ‘Jesty Linking Lives’)
Here is an interview with Kevin Jesty recoded on UCB Radio:
