The walk, supported by the Co-operative Membership, started at Alexandra Gardens in Windsor and individuals began arriving from 9.30am. Once they received their t-shirts and goody bags provided by the Co-operative, Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive, said a few words about CARE’S work before individuals set of on their walk.

Geoffrey spoke about CARE’s work in response to emergencies, including the floods in Pakistan last year. He said: “CARE responded immediately, delivering food, shelter, arranging access to safe water and sanitation, and mobile health clinics. While people are at their most vulnerable immediately after a disaster, it can take years to recover and now just one year later floods are back again. CARE will be there for the long haul, and we aim to help another 500,000 with shelter and livelihoods. We can’t continue our vital work without people like you – your hard work really is making a difference, and we are grateful for every penny raised.”

Then it was over to Richard Greenhalgh, Chairman of CARE International UK, who cut the ribbon with Debbie Mitchell from Co-operative Membership to mark the official start for the walk. 

The 25 kilometre route took them from Alexandra Gardens, through Eton, along the Jubilee path to Maidenhead and back along the Thames. The 10 kilometre route saw participants walk along the Thames to Dorney Lake and back. Both routes were scenic and beautiful with lovely views of Windsor.

Participants walking the 10 kilometre route crossed the finish line from midday onwards and the 25 kilometre walkers from 1.30pm. There was a great atmosphere at the finish line where people were relieved to have finished walking especially on such a hot day (temperatures reached highs of 29 degrees). However the sunshine ensured everyone remained in high spirits to enjoy the walk and were proud of their achievements.

The funds raised will support CARE’s poverty-fighting work overseas, including rapid response after humanitarian emergencies caused by natural disasters and conflict, to save lives and help people rebuild their homes and their livelihoods. CARE is currently responding to the food crisis in East Africa with vital water, food, sanitation, livelihood support, primary education and psychological support. So far CARE has assisted over 1.3 million people in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya.

Debbie Mitchell, Co-operative and Membership Officer for the South East said: “Members of The Co-operative Group have told us that they want a business committed to tackling global poverty and we were most proud to support the Walk All Over Poverty event at the weekend as it does just that. Each of us has the power to do something small that has the potential to create a ripple effect that is felt far and wide and it is fantastic to know that the money raised will make a real difference to the lives of people in the developing world.”

Once again a special thanks to the Co-operative for supporting this event. Teams from Timberland, Hugo Boss, Burn it Fitness and the Thames Valley Police also helped make the challenge a huge success. A special mention also goes to Nick and Caroline Fletcher, Sarah Campbell and friends, and Claire Sullivan and friends, all of whom greatly exceeded their fundraising targets.

CARE supporter David Alchin (pictured on the left) was inspired to organise his own walk in Ipswich with 51 friends and colleagues from Carillion Government Services and Suffolk County Council.

Thank you to everyone who took part to make this event a success. We hope everyone had a great day.

CARE will ‘walk all over poverty’ again at the same time next year.  For information please visit www.carechallenge.org.uk/walk.