Lincolnshire walker takes on NE Coast Path Challenge for Venezuela Earthquake Appeal
Mike Joyce, from Winterton, is putting on his walking boots for a 200-mile challenge for international development agency Christian Aid. He is raising money to support the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal in response to the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.
The 74-year-old grandfather is embarking on another challenging fundraiser for Christian Aid, having already raised thousands of pounds from Coast to Coast and Cleveland Way hikes in 2022 and 2024, as well as walking the 130 miles of the Anglesey (Ynys Mon) Coast Path in 2025.
Mike explained: “Each year I take on a long-distance walking challenge in support of Christian Aid, and it has become our church's main annual fundraiser for this vital cause. With the generous support of our church family and the wider community, we have been able to raise valuable funds that help Christian Aid tackle poverty and injustice around the world.
“This year my challenge is to walk over 200 miles of the North East of England Coast path from the Humber Bridge to the Scottish Border.
“Over the next few weeks, I will walk from the Humber Bridge to Filey across five separate days, before setting off on the first of September to walk continuously from Saltburn to the Scottish Border, just north of Berwick.
“Whether it's cheering me on at a stage of the walk or making a donation, every bit of support is greatly appreciated and will help Christian Aid continue its life-changing work.”
All donations from Mike’s challenge will go to the Emergency Appeal for those affected by the devastating Venezuela earthquakes.
The two earthquakes which struck the country on June 24 were felt as far away as neighbouring Colombia and parts of the Caribbean. The second was the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900. Buildings have been reduced to rubble, and many survivors are sleeping in makeshift tents on the street in urgent need of shelter, food and water.
Families are mourning loved ones, searching for those who remain unaccounted for, and coming to terms with the destruction of homes and means of making a living.
Through the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal humanitarian agencies, including Christian Aid and its local partners through the Act Alliance, are able to reach affected communities with urgent and practical support: emergency medical treatment, food, clean drinking water; and help for those beginning the long and painful task of rebuilding their lives.
To support Mike on this year’s hike please go to: Mike's North East Coast Path Challenge for Venezuela.
And to find out more about the work of Christian Aid and how to get involved please visit www.christianaid.org.uk .