Ashley Parkinson completed his sponsored walk from Clitheroe Castle to Westminster Abbey on Tuesday the 28th June. Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley, was there to greet him at the end of his 18 day journey which was carried out to raise funds for Christians Against Poverty.
Speaking from Westminster, Nigel said,
“Ashley has undertaken a tremendous challenge and he was still fighting-fit when I met him at Westminster, except perhaps for one dodgy leg! Averaging sixteen miles per day for over two weeks is no mean feat. What is more this was carried out for a fantastic and worthy cause.
“Christians Against Poverty are an excellent charity which helps those in need with debt management among other things. What is more, they provide shelter and support for those most desperately in need. Ashley has been staying at CAP centres and churches affiliated with CAP on his journey from Lancashire to London. Not only does this raise money for the charity, it is a demonstration of the brilliant work which Christians Against Poverty do.
“I am happy to see that Ashley is raising awareness for the good causes for which CAP stand. He also told me that he plans on doing a great deal more walking and I hope that he can continue to raise money whilst doing so. In fact, he enjoys it so much he said that he didn’t want to stop at Westminster but wanted to carry on south!”
Before being taken in by CAP, Mr Parkinson was homeless and living in a cemetery toilet block in Clitheroe. His involvement with CAP has turned his fortunes around and now he wishes to give something back to them. Mr Evans said,
“This is a story of indomitable spirit, but also of kindness and compassion. This epitomises the community of the Ribble Valley; a community where each person is looked after by the rest and nobody is left behind. This is what makes the Ribble Valley special to me.”
So far, Mr Parkinson has raised over £2000 through his sponsored walk which will be spent nationally by CAP. He has set a target of £10000. To donate, visit his Just Giving page at: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/ashleys-walk