Hampshire octogenarian Brian Ridsdale is pedalling towards 70km for Christian Aid Week 2024.

The Chandlers Ford resident will be cycling a total of 70km to local churches around Hampshire as part of the '70k in May' challenge.

The challenge, which echoes the everyday journeys of millions globally who walk large distances for basic necessities like clean water, allows participants to traverse the distance in any preferred manner.

Mr Ridsdale, a volunteer speaker and ex-trustee for the charity, said: "Every year, during Christian Aid Week, people across Britain and Ireland raise funds, act and pray for their global neighbours in a celebration of hope for a fairer world.

"I’m taking up this challenge with a week of cycling from Chandlers Ford to churches around Hampshire.

"I'm planning to cycle 70km to churches, in places like Winchester, Southampton and Swanmore, which support Christian Aid.

"I hope to encourage them in their fundraising, and I hope they will encourage me!"

Funds raised during this week, which this year runs from May 12-18, support the charity's mission to empower susceptible communities to find sustainable solutions to pull themselves out of poverty.

This year's appeal particularly focuses on Burundi, one of Africa's poorest and densely populated countries.

The country, heavily dependent on agriculture, is ill-prepared for climate change effects – including landslides, droughts and floods.

The global cost of living crisis has exacerbated the issues, with more than 70 per cent of the population in poverty and more than half of its children chronically malnourished.

Since it first offered humanitarian aid in Burundi in 1995, Christian Aid, in collaboration with local partners, now supports the establishment of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).

These community-driven groups enable residents to save and loan money, facilitating the operation of small businesses – this provides families with reliable and diverse incomes, stabilising food access and ensuring resources for medication and safer housing construction.

If you're interested in taking part in Christian Aid Week or if you wish to support Mr Ridsdale's cycling challenge, please visit the Christian Aid website or Brian's fundraising page at https://fundraise.christianaid.org.uk/challenge-2024/70k-round-chandlers-ford