Liverpool: Fun runners race into new decade for CAFOD

Image credit: Brian Higgins / CAFOD

The CAFOD Liverpool fun run is this year celebrating raising over half a million pounds for the international development charity CAFOD since its inception 36 years ago.

The race, which took place on 27 December at Wavertree Athletics Centre, welcomed hundreds of runners who completed the 2.5km or 5km course and was only possible thanks to the tireless work of a team of volunteers.

Tim Walsh, a volunteer for CAFOD who took part in his first Liverpool fun run this year, said: "I've been meaning to take part in the run for years and never got around to it until now! There's fifteen of my family who all braved the chill to take part.

"We chose to come because we always get together at Christmas for a family walk but this year, instead of doing that we are doing the CAFOD fun run. It will become a family tradition from this year onwards, I'm sure!"

CAFOD's new Director Christine Allen, who is originally from Waterloo, also took part in the race with husband Andrew and daughter Grace. She said: "Over the Christmas break I took part in the CAFOD Liverpool Fun Run. It was quite a challenge but I did it!

"This is now an annual event in many peoples' diaries, and it was great to see so many people participating and supporting CAFOD. There was a jazz band, raffle, refreshments and a wonderful atmosphere.

"It is organised by an amazing group of volunteers to whom we are so grateful. Well done to everyone who made this event possible."

Beginning in 1983, the race has taken place annually - only ever being cancelled once due to hazardous conditions - to fundraise for CAFOD.

In the three decades since the race started, it has raised over £500,000 to help some of the most vulnerable communities around the world, including those recovering after the Haiti Earthquake, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, the Ethiopian drought, and Syrian refugees.

Colette Byrne, CAFOD's representative in Liverpool, said: "This event shows what can be achieved when great volunteers come together - it helps to build community not just locally, but globally.

"We always need more volunteers to get involved with CAFOD's work all year round and have a range of opportunities for every skill set and talent, so please do get in touch if you are interested."

Learn more at www.cafod.org.uk/volunteer