Barefoot Runner joins the Liverpool Fun Run

It’s that time of year again, when we all start thinking about turkey, presents...and of course, the CAFOD Liverpool Fun Run!

After the bad weather caused a false start last December, we’re raring to go this time around, and hoping to raise £20,000 for the world’s poorest people.

And to help inspire all our runners and walkers this year, Barefoot Runner and long term CAFOD supporter John McBride will be joining this great annual event, now in its 27th year.

Join in the festive cheer! Sign up for the Liverpool Fun Run today>>

Newcastle Council worker John, who has been nominated as an Olympic Torch carrier for London 2012 , visited Kenya with CAFOD in 2010 and saw first-hand what it means to live in extreme poverty. That year, he ran the last mile of the 2010 Great North Run barefoot, in solidarity with people he met in Kenya.

John visited a sports project in Korogocho, the most notorious slum in Nairobi, where children and young people can escape the drugs, violence and criminal activity by taking part in sports. He had a karate lesson with Charles Ochieng, a member of the Kenyan Karate team and Olympic hopeful.

“Charles is a team captain, leading the team and helping younger people to raise their self esteem and to show respect for others”, said John.

Since returning from Nairobi, John has visited local schools and groups telling them of what he saw on his travels and encouraging people to continue their support for CAFOD.

The father-of-three from Consett said: “The children I met in Kenya saw it as normal to walk barefoot to school and back each day, travelling for miles. It had a profound effect on me.”

Join John and a host of other fundraisers for a day of fun, music, and festive cheer. Sign up to the Liverpool Fun Run today.

Can't make the 27th December? Join Team CAFOD for more events and fundraising opportunities>>

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