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A couple from Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire, are preparing to walk the 800km Camino de Santiago in Spain, to help change the lives of disadvantaged street-connected children in Kolkata, India.
Emily and Greg Elphick, both former members of the police force, plan to start their challenge at the end of August. In doing the iconic walk, they aim to raise funds for The Hope Foundation (HOPE), which works to change the lives of disadvantaged children and families living on the streets of Kolkata. Emily and Greg already support the charity as child sponsors.
Emily said: “We heard about The Hope Foundation whilst watching Sue Perkins travel across India in the BBC programme “The Ganges”. We were inspired to support a child who lives on the streets. Over the last few years, we have seen the difference HOPE makes to children’s lives.
“I heard about the Camino de Santiago via some friends. I was keen to take on a challenge when I finished my 30-year police career to mark the start of my new life. I connected with many inspiring people and loved the ever-changing scenery. I loved it so much I am keen to walk it again. To help with my motivation – as it is a very long way – I wanted to help others by raising some funds for the amazing charity The Hope Foundation.”
Emily and Greg have launched a Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gremilysadventureshope2024
HOPE was set up 25 years ago by Irish humanitarian Maureen Forrest. The organisation initially supported 13 vulnerable young women, who were living on the streets of Kolkata, through its protection programme. Today, HOPE implements 57 programmes in the city, and has positively touched the lives of 3 million people.
Juliette Whittaker, Head of Fundraising at HOPE UK, added: “We are very grateful to Emily and Greg for taking on this epic challenge to raise funds and awareness for HOPE. Please do support them if you can, by donating to their fundraiser, as the funds raised will help make a positive difference to the lives of many disadvantaged street-connected children in Kolkata, India.”
The Camino de Santiago – the Way of St. James – is an extensive network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain.
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Notes to the editor
- Follow HOPE: Facebook @TheHopeFoundationUK, Instagram @the_hope_foundation_uk, Twitter @HOPE_UK
- Founded in 1999 by Irish humanitarian Maureen Forrest, HOPE runs 57 projects in the city including four creches, 10 Residential Childcare Centres and a state-of-the-art hospital.
- To date, HOPE has touched the lives of nearly 3 million people. This includes 2,900,000 individuals who have received healthcare services, just less than 97,000 children who have received educational support, 15,435 children and adults who have been protected from abuse and neglect, 10,633 young women and men who have received life-changing vocational training, and 33,935 families who have been supported through HOPE’s emergency programmes.
