Pedal Against Poverty

Riders, ranging in age from 1 to 83 years old, followed a route of up to 19 miles alongside the River Lee between Ponders End and Broxbourne in Hertfordshire enjoying the lakes and wildlife of the pretty Lee Valley Country Park. They all stopped for a community picnic in a meadow in the country park around lunchtime.

Raising money and keeping fit
A team of thirty riders represented St Paul’s Church in Cheshunt which is on the bike route. Maria McKenna, a CAFOD volunteer from the parish said “It’s a great way to help those who are less fortunate, in so many different areas of the world, whilst, at the same time, getting fit!” The parish will be following up the ride by holding a Quiz Night in aid of CAFOD on Saturday 19th June.

Standing in solidarity
The youngest rider was Althea Hayes, 13 months, who completed the ride on her mother (Eileen Hayes’) bike. Eileen said, “I am taking part in the bike ride in solidarity with the other mothers in the world who, like me, want the best for their children but who, for reasons out of their control, struggle to provide them with clean water, healthcare and an education. CAFOD’s partners try to meet these needs for some of the poorest families in the world.”

Making a difference
CAFOD Westminster raised over £12,000 for projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America through Pedal Against Poverty in 2009 and hopes to raise nearer £15,000 this year which is enough to bring clean water to 20 shanty towns in Latin America.

CAFOD Director, Chris Bain, told riders: “We are delighted that so many people came together to pedal against poverty. Seventy percent of CAFOD’s income comes from donations from the Catholic community. That is something you should be proud of. We are extremely grateful to all those who support CAFOD by fundraising in their parishes across the diocese. CAFOD’s poverty-fighting work could not continue without your generosity”

CAFOD works through a network of volunteers in the UK and would be delighted to hear from more people wanting to get involved. CAFOD volunteer Dawn Leonard, who helped run the event, added: “I want to make a difference in any way I can instead of simply blaming politicians for the problems in the developing world.”

You can still sponsor the CAFOD Team , and view more photos from the day. You can also watch a YouTube film of the 2009 CAFOD bike ride.

For more information about this press release, or if you are interested in volunteering for CAFOD Westminster, contact Tony Sheen on 020 8449 6970 or westminster@cafod.org.uk .

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