A MOTHER and her one-year-old daughter are walking 10,000 steps a day for the whole of Lent to raise money for vulnerable families overseas.

Rachel Breward, and her daughter Phoebe, from Blackbird Leys, are trying to raise money to help those in other countries who do not have access to clean water.

The pair have decided to take on the mighty challenge as part of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development [CAFOD] ‘Walk for Water Challenge’.

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The fundraiser is taking place for the whole of Lent, between February 17 and April 3.

CAFOD is asking its supporters to ‘walk, jog, hop, skip or even dance’ 10,000 steps every day for the 40 days of Lent, to raise money for some of the world’s ‘most fragile countries, where people struggle to get a daily supply of safe and clean water’.

After hearing about the challenge, the Blackbird Leys resident knew she had to participate, even if this meant bringing her toddler along the way.

Ms Breward said: “Having to walk 10 hours a day just to get water when we can turn on the tap with no thought, is something that should humble us all, and I will be humbled by this as we walk.

“It is also a great way to start my daughter thinking about other people around the world, the difficulties that they may face in their daily life, and the ways in which we can help.

“Although she will not understand some of what we are doing, I do believe it is important to show the next generation how to care for others.

“She has already started this by waving to other walkers on our journeys to make them smile.”

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The pair will be walking around Blackbird Leys and the surrounding neighbourhoods no matter what the weather to ensure they hit their 10,000 step goal each day.

Phoebe’s mum added, however, she thinks dancing will also help them reach the total each day.

She said: “Phoebe likes to dance to the songs from the Sound of Music, so I’m sure this will also make up some of my steps as part of our Walk for Water Challenge.”

By raising money for CAFOD’s Walk for Water Challenge, will help the charity provide clean, safe water, to those living abroad.

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A £3 donation can mend a community’s broken water pump, and if £750 is raised this means that a water supply can be bought for the entire community.

Jo Kitterick, CAFOD’s head of fundraising said: “It is so inspiring to hear Rachel and Phoebe’s story, CAFOD says a big thank you to her and thousands of supporters who are embarking on their ‘Walk for Water’ challenge.  

"This Lent they will be transforming lives.    

“Our supporters are ready to go the extra mile to end water poverty.

"Already they have been coming up with wonderful ways to achieve their 10,000 steps for their own personal Walk for Water challenge, inspiring others to join in."

You can find out more on how to join the challenge by visiting www.cafod.org.uk/fundraise/walk-for-water