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My story

I’m taking on the challenge of 70K in May to help people push back against poverty. Poverty is cruel and relentless whether it's in the UK or elsewhere in the world.

Malnourishment and poverty affect more than 70% of people in Burundi and Christian Aid are working to empower families in there to build reliable and diverse incomes.

Aline, pictured above in rural Burundi, found a lifeline in Christian Aid after she felt the full force of extreme poverty when an early marriage ended in abuse and violence. Christian Aid helped her with small business training and she set up as a grocery wholesaler. Today, Aline can afford food, clothes, and essential healthcare for her family.

There are many more people Christian Aid could reach – and that’s why I’m fundraising and taking part in 70K in May.

The money raised can help ensure more people get the skills and knowledge they need to fulfil their hopes and ambitions.  £10 could provide one person with the training that supports their family to set up a small business, such as selling home-grown vegetables.

Together we can make a lasting difference.  Thank you very much for your support!


Updates

11
Christian Aid
4 months 1 week ago
Activity closed!

The activity was closed

Sadie Blankley
5 months 3 weeks ago
A thank you from Aline herself

"When we see Christian Aid, we feel comforted; we feel we are not alone. You helped us to change our poor living conditions. I really thank you from the very bottom of my heart."

Aline Nibogora (pictured above)

Christian Aid
5 months 3 weeks ago
Target reached!

Congratulations! This activity has reached its target!

Christian Aid
5 months 3 weeks ago
75% of target reached!

Congratulations! This activity has reached 75% of its target!

Sadie Blankley
5 months 3 weeks ago
Thank you!

If you have kindly donated to this page and remained anonymous, I should add that even I don't know who you are!  So I can't thank you personally, but it's brilliant that you have been so generous.

I have run 32km of my target of 70km in May and your encouragement is definitely helping me to keep on getting out there :)

Christian Aid
6 months ago
50% of target reached!

Congratulations! This activity has reached 50% of its target!

Sadie Blankley
6 months ago
Encounters

Of course the second run of the challenge to reach #70kinMay not so upbeat as the first.  But the run itself actually seemed easier. I used a 'Couch to 5k Plus' session and it's always good to reconnect with coach Laura. A great way to pace yourself and not set off too fast.

Further encouragement from the handsome chap in the photo - not mine, but I see him often in the early morning and he's always upbeat and keen to say hello.

Sadie Blankley
6 months ago
Count Your Blessings

May began with a perfect morning for a run. Not too hot, or raining, or cold.  The leaves that wonderful shade of green as they first unfurl.

So even when it feels - as it should - like a bit of an effort to get up those hills, I try to remember to be grateful for the fact that I can run, and also that there are bluebells along the way.

 

Sadie Blankley
6 months 1 week ago
Just a few days to go ...

... and I wish the running felt a bit easier! But I think it's just that first five minutes where you're sure you can't do it anymore.  For me that is often uphill too.  Donations and encouragement are definitely helping to boost my commitment to the challenge ahead.  Thank you!

Sadie Blankley
6 months 3 weeks ago
Here we go!

The official start is not until 1 May ... but I now declare this fundraising page open!  It's time for action.  Feeling inspired.

Christian Aid
6 months 3 weeks ago
First donation received!

Congratulations! This activity has received its first donation!

How your money helps

Poverty pushed Aline to the brink. She was abused, homeless and hungry. But Aline pushed back harder. With Christian Aid funded small business training, she achieved what had seemed impossible, a vital income for her and her children.

Fundraising this Christian Aid Week will ensure more people in Burundi get the skills and knowledge they need to push back against the inhumanity of poverty.

Image credits and information i
Aline Nibogora is pushing back against extreme poverty in Makamba Province, Burundi by raising the living conditions of her community with the support of Christian Aid. Credit: Ndacayisaba Epitace
Aline Nigobora stands in front of her home, She wears a pink top and green skirt and is looking in the camera with a neutral expression