To Hull and Back

A Methodist who overcame cancer has walked more than 400 miles in a month to raise much-needed funds for Christian Aid.

Angie Meadley, who attends Sutton Methodist Church in Hull, pledged to walk five miles a day throughout May, a total of 155 miles – though she was actually aiming for 350 miles to beat the 337 she walked last year.

The former finance officer clocked up 420.6 miles – which equates to 948,704 steps – using eight boxes of blister plasters, and, so far, raising more than £2,400330.

Angie has been doing sponsored walks for Christian Aid for several years, having completed at least two walks while facing treatment for skin cancer in 2024.

She said her walks this year have been blessed with good weather, apart from one day.

She explained: “I felt I wasn’t alone and that God was with me in spirit and the beauty of my surroundings, and in the people I met and chatted with about Christian Aid, faith and Christianity, and what it means to them.

“I met some amazing people including a couple on the Hornsea track. The lady was in a wheelchair and had dementia and he took her for a walk in this part of the countryside most days. I saw them twice more after that and gave them a mention when I did a radio interview about my walks.

“I have enjoyed every moment of this year’s journey, but especially meeting with the couple, who asked me to pray for them; another gentleman I had a conversation with on the marina; and a special moment on the Humber Bridge when I felt filled with God’s spirit.

“I can’t think of a least favourite part, as I feel so blessed to have experienced what I have felt in the last 31 days (apart from the blisters, although they will heal soon).

“The publicity we did when I started has helped inspire people to donate and the support and generosity of everyone has been overwhelming as usual. I feel truly blessed; it has been so special.”

The Methodist Church in Britain is a founding partner of Christian Aid, actively supporting its mission to combat global poverty and injustice since 1945.

Angie’s fundraising page is still open for anyone wanting to make a donation here.

The money she raises will help Christian Aid’s partners support communities to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty.

This year’s Christian Aid Week appeal focused on work in Nairobi, Kenya, where intense poverty means families have a daily struggle to feed their children. With secure jobs hard to find, and most people earning less than a dollar a day to cover school costs, rent and water, some days there isn’t enough for a meal.

But with tools, seeds and specialist training from Christian Aid’s partner, Beacon of Hope, families are learning how to make the most of a small space in the city in which to grow a steady supply of fresh vegetables to cook or sell.