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Dermot O'Leary supports CAFOD's Big Lent Walk

Dermot O’Leary is cheering you on, so take the first step by sharing your fundraising page.

Dermot’s excited about the Big Lent Walk and so are we! It’s a chance for all of us to get together and tell global poverty to take a hike. You, Dermot and our global community are truly making a real difference in lives around the world, one step at a time.

Did you know that Dermot has supported us for an incredible 20 years? We’re always so excited to have him on board. This year, he’s spreading the word about the Big Lent Walk because a better world needs all of us. So, strap up your boots, tie up your purple laces and get ready for our 2025 Lent challenge.

A quick reminder on the Big Lent Walk…

You are one of the thousands of supporters taking on the 2025 Big Lent Walk! On 5 March, we will start our journey of 200km in 40 days.

You can cover the distance however you like – walk, run or swim! You can even count your walk to the local shops or the walk to your parish. Whether you go on solo hikes or parkruns with friends, we’re racing towards a better world together.

This year, we’re taking the Big Lent Walk and making it even bigger by pairing up with SCIAF—Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund—so now we’re racing across Great Britain!

It’s an extra special Big Lent Walk as it’s also the Jubilee year—a year full of hope! It’s a chance for us to be hopeful that a better world is possible.

Why are we walking this Lent?

We’re so excited you’re taking on the challenge with us! The Big Lent Walk is a great way to put your faith into action. By signing up you have taken the first step to making a real difference to lives all around the world.

Every £1 you raise will support communities in fulfilling their potential from Brazil to Bangladesh to Sierra Leone. We believe everyone has hope and when we work together that hope can grow into joy.

As Dermot mentioned, this Lent, an incredible mum from Kenya, Lokho, is sharing her story of resilience and hope. Lokho and her young family survived a devasting drought lasting over 40 months. Her family lost everything. When the rain finally came, she began working with CAFOD to rebuild her life.

Read more about Lokho’s story

You’ll be walking alongside mums like Lokho as they work with their communities to build a better world for their families. So, thank you for walking in solidarity.

How do I start fundraising?

You’ve made the first step by signing up! Now, you can personalise your fundraising page. Tell everyone why you’re taking on the Big Lent Walk and how you’re doing it. Are you strolling with your dog? Or swimming with your friends? Let everyone know how you’ll be moving this Lent.

You can even add a photo of yourself on your fundraising page. A profile picture can boost your donations by 14%!

Once you’ve made your page your own, you can share it easily with your friends, family or parish. You can do it on a WhatsApp group, by email or on social media. Make sure to tell everyone you’re here, walking and fundraising.

Get started and share your page today!

Another handy tip to kickstart your fundraising page is to donate first yourself. People are more likely to donate when they see the page already has a donation. It’s a great way to get the ball rolling.

And remember, you can fundraise online and offline so tell everyone you know about your Big Lent Walk.

Let’s get started!

The Big Lent Walk’s starting line is so close! Are you ready?

Remember, we’re out here walking with you, thousands of us across England, Wales and Scotland. You’re part of one big community. You can see what your fellow Big Lent Walk-ers are up to on CAFOD's Facebook page. Share your photos, story and updates on our page to connect with walkers like you. We always love to see how you’re taking on the challenge!

Now, let’s get stretching and moving our body to get ready to take on the incredible distance of 200km in 40 days.

Dermot O’Leary is cheering you on – so let’s go! A better world needs all of us, so let’s start our walking journey together.

Take that first step by sharing your fundraising page!