Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith returned to her old school for the Big Lent Walk
As we look back on a remarkable Jubilee year, we are incredibly grateful to our high-profile supporters who amplify the voices of the communities we work with overseas.
Here are some of the highlights they helped make possible.
Big Lent Walk
Our year began with a message of encouragement from Dermot O’Leary, inspiring thousands to lace up their shoes and take part in the Big Lent Walk - a chance to “tell global poverty to take a hike”. Dermot, a longstanding CAFOD ambassador of over 20 years, once again highlighted the strength of community action and shared solidarity.
In April, football legend and Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith returned to her old school, St Bartholomew’s in Rainhill, to motivate pupils to walk 200km in 40 days. She even took on the challenge herself, alongside her 84-year-old mum!
ITV's Julie Etchingham joined this year's Big Lent Walk
ITV’s Julie Etchingham also joined in, walking and running in solidarity with communities worldwide.
“The Big Lent Walk,” she said, “is a wonderful way to stand with those facing poverty, injustice, and inequality.”
Running for hope: the London Marathon
From the stage to the streets, CAFOD ambassador Adeniké Adewale, star of Whitney Houston: Queen of the Night, took on a new challenge: running her first London Marathon in support of CAFOD.
Adeniké Adewale at the London Marathon
Adeniké, one of 37 CAFOD runners, said:
“I love stepping out of my comfort zone, especially for a cause that makes a difference [...] CAFOD is always there in a crisis, and I’m so proud to be part of that.”
Balancing rehearsals and training, she even performed on stage with less than 12 hours before the race - true dedication!
Standing up for Sudan
In June, CAFOD ambassador Delia Smith joined actors Joanne Froggatt and Will Poulter, along with 50 other high-profile figures, to call on the Prime Minister to act on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
In an open letter delivered to 10 Downing Street they urged the government to maintain its aid commitments and stand with those most in need.
Act Now, Change Forever
In July, working with the People’s Picture and the Climate Coalition, CAFOD supporters helped create a breathtaking public artwork using thousands of photos submitted by people in the UK.
Unveiled across the White Cliffs of Dover, the artwork symbolised the nation’s united call for urgent climate action.
Actor David Harewood OBE, who shared a photo of himself in Venice, said:
“Spending time in Venice, I was reminded how severe the danger is that we’re facing. The canals there are threatened by rising sea levels and increased flooding. Its famous buildings are suffering as warming waters cause their foundations to slowly sink through subsidence. But while some communities can adapt, many - such as those I met in northern Kenya alongside CAFOD - cannot. That’s why I’m part of the People’s Picture - to demand a healthier, fairer and more secure future - for all.”
Adeniké also lent her voice to the movement, performing two powerful songs at the Act Now, Change Forever mass lobby where CAFOD supporters and children from Catholic schools met thousands of others from across the UK to meet their MPs and demand action for climate and nature.
Raising Hope in Rome
Adeniké Adewale at the Raising Hope conference
In October, at the Raising Hope conference in Rome, Adeniké took to the stage once more, this time singing alongside Pope Leo XIV to celebrate 10 years since Laudato Si’. The event called for renewed action to protect our planet and the people most affected by climate change.
Unmasking injustice
CAFOD ambassador and actor Alex Macqueen starred in Meet the World’s Loan Sharks, a 90-second spoof ad created in collaboration with Richard Curtis’ Project Everyone. The satirical film highlighted the global debt crisis ahead of the G20 summit, tying into this year’s Jubilee call for debt justice. The sketch was screened in front of MPs at Parliament on 10 November, urging leaders to act for countries trapped in unfair and unsustainable debt.
Alice MacDonald MP, Zambian High Commissioner, Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka, Alex Macqueen and Anneliese Dodds MP
Advent carol service
We will close the year in joyful reflection with our Advent carol service at St George’s Cathedral on 10 December, featuring readings from actors Ben Lamb and Alex Macqueen, beautiful music from Cattle and Cane, and the magnificent Cathedral Choir.
Liverpool Fun Run
Frank Cottrell-Boyce at the Liverpool Fun Run
Rounding off the year’s community events, author and CAFOD supporter Frank Cottrell-Boyce will join families and parish groups at the Liverpool Fun Run on 27 December, contributing to our annual local and joyful celebration that helps raise essential funds for CAFOD’s work. It will be a fitting end to a year of faith, hope and action.
Thank you
From classrooms and cathedrals to marathons and cliff tops, 2025 has shown what we can all achieve together because a better world needs all of us.