Manchester school on 2,000k school trip for CAFOD coronavirus emergency fund

Image: CAFOD

Despite lockdown, one school has made it their mission to reach their school trip destination - virtually. They will be walking, running and cycling nearly 2,000km to represent their journey from Manchester to Spain - all in aid of the global coronavirus response.

Year Six pupils from Our Lady of the Rosary school in Manchester had their trip to Ponteareas in Spain cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. But, instead of being discouraged, the pupils decided to attempt a virtual trip. This is not only a personal challenge but an opportunity to help raise funds for the international development charity CAFOD's coronavirus response.

Over the next few weeks, all pupils from the school and their families will be walking, running and cycling as many miles as possible to reach their target of 1,998km - the distance from Manchester to Spain.

Mrs Groves, a Year Three teacher at the school, helped to organise the challenge. She said: "Sadly, our Year Six children were unable to take part in their visit to Ponteareas this year, so we thought together we could attempt a virtual trip. CAFOD is a very important charity that we always support at Our Lady of the Rosary, and we are confident all our children and families can do this! We would love your support by sponsoring on our page."

The school's chosen charity, CAFOD, has recently launched an emergency coronavirus appeal and is scaling up its support to local aid experts. These local experts are providing food to vulnerable families, as well as improving handwashing and sanitation facilities across communities.

CAFOD is also helping churches in developing countries use their networks to share hygiene messages through Catholic radio stations and to produce posters in local dialects on infection prevention.

Donate to the class' challenge at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/olorvirtual and find out more about CAFOD's work at //cafod.org.uk/coronavirus