“I’ve taken part in a range of CARE events with work colleagues over the years” says Alchin. “CARE was organizing a London-based Walk All Over Poverty event, but I couldn’t make it there, so I was inspired to set something similar up for my network of friends and colleagues here in Suffolk.  It was a social event with a social conscience.”

The funds raised will support CARE International’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.

“I was pleased to support CARE’s emergency response; also for me their long-term work that helps people find sustainable routes out of poverty really resonates. The charity tackles the deep-seated causes of poverty, addressing the social, political, environmental and economic factors that trap people into a cycle of poverty.” Says Alchin.  

The walk covered over 19 miles and was based around the historic village of Dunwich on the Suffolk coast.  There was a nine mile morning walk to the north that took the walkers through Dunwich Forest, past the scientifically significant Westwood marshes, and back down the coast to Dunwich. 

The afternoon section was ten miles and took walkers south, over Dunwich Heath and then down the coast past Minsmere RSPB reserve. The participants then headed inland before turning north again to walk through forest, woodland and farmland. They finished back at their original starting point.

To celebrate completing the walk the group enjoyed a delicious picnic prepared by Sonya Brooks . The costs of refreshments were kindly covered by Carillion Local Government Services, so all funds raised could go to CARE.

Says Neil Munro, CARE’s Head of Challenge events, “We are extremely appreciative of the efforts David went to support our Walk All Over Poverty campaign. He has supported CARE for a number of years, and along with work colleagues has raised in excess of £10,000 to support our work. We rely on supporters to help us spread the word, and David went the extra mile by setting up his own event.”

To set up your own fundraising event email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.carechallenge.org.uk to take part in one of their organized activity challenges.