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Hopestead fundraiser takes on 50km challenge to help end homelessness

A charity worker from Norwich is taking on his biggest walking challenge yet to raise money for people without a place to call home.

Chris Elliott, 58 and from Eaton, joined Norwich-based homelessness charity Hopestead as fundraising manager in April, and now plans to support it by hiking 50km (31 miles) in one day.

Chris said: "I've been mulling this over for a while, thinking about what personal challenge to take on.

"I think all of me is going to ache at the end, but when I'm struggling, I'll think about someone we've helped sleeping peacefully in their own bed for the first time. That'll keep me going.

"People know I like my walking, so it's an easy challenge for me to promote.

"I ask other people to take on fundraising challenges all the time – thought I should do one myself."

Chris said he aimed to raise at least £1,000 through the July 6 challenge, which will be the farthest he has ever tried to walk in one go.

Starting at Eaton Park, Chris will head to Wymondham via Hethersett before taking the scenic Kett’s Country Trail back through the countryside, finishing at Norwich Cathedral.

The trail was launched three years ago to link the site of the start of Kett’s Rebellion in 1549 with Eaton, where Robert Kett and his followers crossed on the journey to Norwich.

Donations will go to Hopestead's projects including Hope at Home, which helps people moving into empty properties create somewhere they can truly call home.

Chris

Chris Elliott, who is planning to undertake a 50km walk for Hopestead.

Through the project, Hopestead provides essential furniture including sofas, beds and kitchen tables, plus appliances like washing machines and fridges. People choose everything themselves from catalogues – the colours, styles and finishes that feel right for them.

Chris said: "When you've had no control over where you live, choosing your own sofa means everything. It's the difference between just having shelter and having a home."

Supporters can donate to Chris’s walk at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-elliott-50k, and he is also offering sponsorships to local businesses.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or Hopestead's work, contact Chris by email chris.elliott@hopestead.org.