Bishop of Repton is using pedal power for 70k in May challenge

The Rt Revd Malcolm, Bishop of Repton,is taking part in ‘70k in May’ – a challenge 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.

It's part of Christian Aid Week - from May 12–18 - which this year is focussing on work in Burundi, one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in Africa.

Bishop Malcolm said his connections with Burundi are spurring him on to complete the challenge.

He explained: “Every year, during Christian Aid Week, people across this country raise funds, act and pray for their global neighbours in a celebration of hope for a fairer world.

“I’m doing 70k in May not only to get more exercise, (though that in itself is going to help me) but mainly to encourage folks to give to Christian Aid’s work. With family and friends in Burundi, I want to help Christian Aid empower local communities facing extreme poverty and the impact of climate change.

“Here in the Diocese of Derby we have been supporting the Bujumbura Diocese’s work with people on the fringe of the city whose property is vulnerable to mudslides due to climate change. Christian Aid’s work with people in Burundi, on most counts the country with the world’s lowest per capita income, can make an immense difference.

“I plan to walk, cycle, and on a good day run a bit every day, to encourage people to join with me in supporting this work.”

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

Heavily reliant on agriculture, Burundi is 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.

Christian Aid Week offers seven days and so many ways to make a difference – to find out more, visit www.christianaid.org.uk/. To support Bishop Malcolm, please visit his fundraising page - fundraise.christianaid.org.uk/challenge-2024/70k-may-3.