Formby Priest and Parishioner’s walk for water to end water poverty this Lent

Fundraisers from Formby have raised £1,265 and counting to help people across the world have access to clean, safe water for their daily needs.

From Wednesday 17th February to Saturday 3rd April, an inspiring group of supporters from the Parish of Our Lady of Compassion, Formby will be walking 10,000 steps a day every day for the 40 days of Lent to raise money for some of the world’s most fragile countries.

The group, consisting of parish priest Fr John Walsh, deacons Joe and John, and a number of parishioners from Our Lady of Compassion, St Jerome’s, and St. Anne’s churches in Formby, will be taking on the challenge individually or as part of their household unit or bubble.

The money raised throughout the Lenten season will contribute to the work of overseas development charity, CAFOD, by helping communities access water, as well as providing appropriate tools and training to maintain this vital life source.

Dympna Edwards, a Formby parishioner doing the Walk for Water challenge with her son Martin said, “we are so blessed that we have water on tap in the UK.

“Each step we take on the Walk for Water challenge brings safe water to more people through the generous support for the great work CAFOD does with local communities throughout the world.”

Sharing how much the challenge makes us think about our perspective on water, Fr John says:

“It is so easy to take something as essential as water for granted. The Walk for Water initiative helps to remind us of how fortunate we are and invites us to be generous with our brothers and sisters who are facing challenges such as this.

Siobhan Farnell, Community Participation Coordinator for CAFOD in Liverpool, concludes: “During this time of great uncertainty it is truly inspiring to see Fr John and members of his parish responding in support to our brothers and sisters overseas.

“We are incredibly fortunate in the UK to have access to clean and safe water, that’s not the case for so many people throughout the world.

“Their commitment and compassion to walking in solidarity and raising funds this Lent, sends a message of hope to so many people.”

To support Our Lady of Compassion Parish with its challenge, click the link below for further details or to donate online: https://www.justgiving.com/team/OLOCP-Formby-Walk4Water