Assistant Head Teacher Claire Sharrock from Great Crosby Catholic Primary School, is doing Lent differently this year. Rather than giving something up, Claire, along with a group of young pupils, have decided to take something on – a charity fundraiser for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD).

CAFOD’s ‘Big Lent Walk’ challenges participants to tread 200km in 40 days to provide clean water for thousands of people across the world. Over 1,000 fundraisers across the country will take part this year, including groups from schools and parishes. Also joining Claire in her mission are some familiar famous faces - BBC Traitors winner Harry Clark and England football legend Sue Smith.

Claire said: “It's a wonderful event to take part in, and it's especially nice that staff and children can walk together. It's a chance to be together outside the classroom - something that we don't get to do as often as we'd like!  We have a CAFOD club in school, and the children from there are helping to promote the event - they are so excited.”

“This goes beyond the school community. It’s incredible to join hundreds of schools across England and Wales in raising money to fight poverty this Lent.”

Claire's fundraising efforts don't stop there. On Sunday 26 April, she will also be lacing up her running shoes to take on the London Marathon – once again raising money for CAFOD. The 26.2-mile challenge is another testament to Claire's commitment to helping her neighbours facing the world’s biggest challenges.