VSO Requires Charity Walkers
A local group which supports the international development charity VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) is urging people in Cornwall to get involved in the ‘In Her Shoes’ charity walk. This fun and friendly event on Sunday 15 May is being organised to help raise vital funds for VSO’s healthcare work in some of the world’s poorest countries
The Cornwall walk aims to raise crucial funds that could help save the lives of people in developing countries, especially women in Africa and Asia who die from childbirth or pregnancy related issues because of inadequate maternal healthcare.
The fundraising walk on Sunday 15 May the walk will start from Lansallos National Trust car park in South East Cornwall at 10.30am. The walk is approximately ten miles and will take about five-hours. The route is along the coastal path from Lansallos to Polruan village, then following the River Fowey towards Pont Creek, past the church at Lanteglos-by- Fowey back to the coast at Pencarrow Head before returning to the cove of Lansallos. It will be strenuous in places but beautiful scenery.
To add to the fun, participants are being encouraged to decorate the walking shoes they’ll be wearing on the big day! Walkers can get some inspiration by checking out Emily Maitlis, Miranda Hart, Beverley Knight and Zoe Wanamaker’s footwear designs by visiting the In Her Shoes website.
TV’s Lorraine Kelly has donated a pair of ‘her much loved shoes’ which she’s signed! And to incentivise walkers, the top fundraisers from across the country could win a number of fantastic prizes, including Lorraine’s autographed shoes and those personalised by Emily and Miranda.
VSO’s fundraising development manager Jane Quayle said: “The impact of our health volunteers’ work is significant but we urgently need more funds to maintain and strengthen the flow of volunteers to where they’re needed most. Even today in Malawi one woman in 18 still dies in childbirth; in Sierra Leone it’s one in eight. Every woman, regardless of where she lives in the world, should have access to good maternal health care. Your involvement in our walk could prevent future heartache for women.”
In Her Shoes aims to attract at least 100 walkers from Cornwall and VSO is hoping to raise around £40,000 in total from all its UK walks for its vital work in healthcare. Registration is £10 per person and each walker needs to raise a minimum of £100. For more information or to sign up for the walk visit www.inhershoes.org.uk
