This Lent, over 1,000 people across the country are lacing up their walking boots for CAFOD's Big Lent Walk – a challenge to walk 200km in 40 days to provide clean water for communities around the world. Among this year's participants are some truly inspiring individuals, including BBC Traitors winner Harry Clark and England football legend Sue Smith.
Thereza: 85 and unstoppable
Thereza from Woking
Leading the charge is Woking resident Thereza Macnamara, whose determination has already captured local news coverage. As she approaches her 85th birthday, Thereza is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
"I'm determined to keep active and raise as much money as I can for such a wonderful cause," says Thereza. "There are people living in rural communities in southern Ethiopia that walk for six hours every day to collect clean water. I can't imagine how tough that is."
Rather than settling for the 5km daily target, Thereza is aiming for at least 10km or more each day. The support she receives keeps her motivated: "When I did my first-ever fundraising challenge for CAFOD, one little girl gave up her pocket money for the week, and another young sponsor said she hopes to do 10,000 steps per day when she gets to my age."
Helen: from headteacher to solo walker
Helen from Guernsey
For Helen in Guernsey, this year's Big Lent Walk marks a new chapter. After serving as headteacher for 18 years, she took early retirement in 2025 and is now taking on the challenge independently.
"Whilst still enjoying the festivities of Christmas, I received an email from CAFOD promoting the Big Lent Walk and I wasted no time in registering," Helen explains. "In previous years, I would have been signing up the primary school where I served as headteacher."
Helen has been making the most of her early registration, planning several 5km circular routes around her parish of St Andrew's. "These walks not only offer stunning views across the Talbot Valley and along the west coast beaches," Helen says, "but also the chance to meet some very friendly characters along the way."
Roger: inspired by St David's wisdom
Roger from Pembrokeshire
In St Davids, Pembrokeshire, walker Roger is drawing inspiration from the patron saint of Wales himself. He reflects on St David's dying words: "Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things."
"The Big Lent Walk is a 'little thing' which we can all do, and our collective efforts will make a massive difference to those who need help around the world," Roger says. "And getting out on the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast Path every day will certainly help me to 'Be joyful'!"
Fr David: making it a parish tradition
Fr David, Leicester
At Holy Family Leicester, the Big Lent Walk has become an annual tradition. Last year, 18 parishioners covered nearly four miles at Watermead Country Park, with Fr David leading the way in his distinctive high-vis jacket and socks.
"The weather was ideal and so were the ice creams at the midway point," he recalls fondly. The group even spotted what they believed to be a bar-headed goose among the spring wildlife.
This year's walk takes place on Saturday 28 February 2026 and Fr David is already looking forward to it. "The weather could well be bordering on the tropical and, once again, we can be reunited with our good friend, the bar-headed goose!"
Join the Big Lent Walk
Sign up for CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk and challenge yourself to walk 200km in 40 days. You can sign up as an individual, parish or school!