This is the second time Sara Wilmut, 95, who lives in Peeblesshire on the borders of Scotland, has decided to walk 155km during the month of March to support WaterAid. Last year she raised nearly £3,000 for the international charity.
Sara Wilmut said:
“I get upset at the thought of women and girls walking 5km or more to collect dirty water and then shockingly that water makes them sick, so I started to help.
“It’s great to wake up when you’re getting old and feel this is something I can do, especially when there’s so much wrong in the world. I’ve always lived in the country and walked lots. I eat reasonably well but I do drink alcohol when I feel like it! Not having too much of anything is key. I love chocolate, I could be a chocoholic if I’m not careful.“
One in ten people around the world have no clean water close to home, meaning millions of women and girls have to walk 5km or more every day to collect water that might not even be clean.
WaterAid supporters are encouraged to show their solidarity with women and girls around the world by walking 155km during March, the equivalent of 5km a day. More than 300K has been raised for the charity from the Walk for Water event since 2019 and on average around 300 people take part every year.
Corinne Stone, Senior Community and Events Fundraising Officer at WaterAid, said:
“We want to thank everyone who has decided to take on the challenge this year, and everyone who has taken part before to help ensure no woman or girl is held back by a lack of clean water. We’re so fortunate to have clean water on tap, but millions of people around the world have to walk 5km or more every day just for clean water, to drink, to be able to wash, to do laundry – it’s unacceptable.
“By walking for water this March, you’re helping to create a world where clean water is available to all, and woman and girls don’t have to miss out on paid work or education. Your contribution makes a huge difference!”
Click here to support Sara in her walking challengeVisit WaterAid’s Walk for Water if you’d like to take part
