Thousands complete the Run for Women

Over 1,000 students, staff and parents from Plymouth took part in the annual Run for Women to raise money for CAFOD and help women and girls in some of the poorest countries throughout the world.

There is currently a massive poverty and gender inequality gap with women and girls making up 70% of the world’s one billion poorest people. Moved by this statistic and stories of women who live in poverty across the world, Simon Giarchi alongside Co-organiser Leah Burch decided to organise an event that would bring these women to the forefront.

The annual five mile run was born and Simon Giarchi, who works in the CAFOD office in Plymouth, said:

“The Run for Women started in 2011, marking the centenary of international Women’s day, and this will be the 6th year the run has taken place. We have had over 10,000 participants, pupils, parents and teachers, raising many thousands of pounds for the vital work that CAFOD does with women and girls in their communities.”

Leah Burch, who stepped in to organise the event this year, after Simon had a new arrival in the family, said: “The run for women across the seven Plymouth schools was a huge success.”

Hundreds of students, aged four to 18 took part in the run and it was a great success. Each of the schools arranged their own course; some created a route around their campus, whilst others ran around local parks and athletics tracks. Over the course of the day, each school took the time to take action in solidarity with women and girls around the world.

Racheal Riley, a teacher at Holy Cross who took part in the race, said: “Great start to the day with a 5 mile run from Notre Dame, cheered on by the school!”

The funds raised from the Run for Women will go directly to CAFOD’s partners who are actively working around the world to help those women and girls most in need. CAFOD currently works in over 35 countries, helping women and girls to reach their full potential through education and training, which empowers them to become community leaders.

To learn more about CAFOD’s work, please visit: www.cafod.org.uk