Norfolk churches team take on African marathon 

A team of ten Christians from different Norfolk churches are preparing to take on the marathon challenge of a lifetime in West Africa for international children’s charity Street Child. 

On April 30, the group from Norfolk will journey to rural Sierra Leone in West Africa (via Turkey and Morocco) to take part in what Runner’s World magazine has dubbed as ‘the world’s most worthwhile marathon!’
 
The Sierra Leone Marathon is an award-winning, exhilarating challenge, providing international runners and participants with the opportunity to become part of the Street Child story - a story which began 15 years ago when a Norfolk dad, Tom Dannatt,  started a charity to help the poorest demographic of the (then) poorest country in the world - children as young as the age of five living on the streets in Sierra Leone. 
 
Today, Street Child has become one of the fastest growing international children’s charities! It works to ensure that children are safe, in school and learning in more than 22 countries. Focusing efforts in some of the world’s toughest places including active conflict zones, regions affected by natural disasters and countries with extreme economic challenges, Street Child delivers hope and life-changing support to tens of thousands of children. To date, it has helped over a million children and was selected this year’s Times and Sunday Times international charity partner. 
 
The Sierra Leone Marathon is Street Child’s flagship annual fundraiser to raise vital funds and support for the charity and its beneficiaries. The Norfolk Churches group are working together in their fundraising efforts, and represent a fantastic cross-section of Norfolk churches and Christians - from 13-year-old schoolboy Zach Lloyd to retired headteacher Neil Henery. 
 
 Zach will be joined by 17-year-old Fifi Sweeting in the 30 degree heat and together they will take on the half marathon option. Zach says: “For as long as I can remember I have felt that all children deserve the same resources and love as each other. This is why I want to take part in the annual Sierra Leone marathon - to do my part in helping those less fortunate than me and those who don’t get the same opportunities. I want to make a difference, but I’ll need your help…”
 
The team have a shared Just Giving page and would appreciate the prayers, support and sponsorship from the Norfolk community - they have a shared goal of raising £15,000, every penny of which goes directly to the charity (the trip is self-funded by participants). 
 
www.justgiving.com/team/norfolk-for-west-africa
 
If you, your churches, family or friends would like to get involved in any future events with Street  Child please email Head of Community fundraising Anna Lloyd - anna.lloyd@street-child.org or visit the Street Child website. Anna said: “There is always something for everyone - we have some wonderful events in the pipeline and we’d love to keep you updated. Do email me so sign up to our churches for Street Child newsletter!”  

Pictured above, left to right, are the Norfolk Churches runners: Tim Sweeting, Fifi Sweeting, Anna Lloyd, Zach Lloyd, youth pastor Matti St John, and Rev Dave Lloyd. Other group members to join the trip are Rich Mills from St Thomas Norwich, Neil Henery, Josh Landles and Edward Lawrence.