Local Students Inspired to Combat Global Water Crisis through Charitable Walking Challenge

This week, in a remarkable initiative that blends community spirit with global awareness, Harry Clark, a well-known broadcaster and winner of the BBC show Traitors, returned to his hometown of Slough to motivate students at St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School. The occasion marked the launch of the school's participation in CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk, a charity event aimed at providing safe drinking water for communities worldwide.

Connecting with the Cause

The Big Lent Walk encourages participants to walk 200km over 40 days, a reflective effort that started during the lockdown to honor those who trek long distances for clean water. This year, the challenge has attracted over 1,000 supporters from various backgrounds, including hundreds of schools throughout the country. Harry Clark's involvement emphasizes the importance of young people taking a stand for significant global issues.

A Message of Hope and Resilience

During his visit, Clark shared inspiring stories from his life, including his experiences in the British Army and his journey in the entertainment industry. He also highlighted how his faith has played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of personal challenges and resilience. “I’m very proud to be here for CAFOD,” Clark expressed, underscoring the importance of activities like walking and running in fostering one's faith and mental clarity.

Empowering Students to Make an Impact

St Bernard's headteacher, Paul Kassapian, praised the students for their proactive stance on climate change and their commitment to making a difference. “It’s wonderful that they are now taking action and doing their bit to help tackle this global issue,” he remarked. This initiative not only raises awareness about climate concerns but also engages the youth in a meaningful way, encouraging them to be part of the solution.

Get Involved

The Big Lent Walk is an open call for action, inviting individuals and communities to join in this noble cause. If you're interested in participating, you can find more information and sign up at cafod.org.uk/fundraise/big-lent-walk. As the students of St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School step forward on this journey, they embody a collective hope for a better future, demonstrating that small steps can lead to significant change.