An inspiration

EVEN though the coalition continues to come under fire for the decision to protect Britain’s overseas aid budget, the enduring work of charities, like Oxfam, still underpins the ongoing struggle against global poverty.

By The Newsroom

Published 6th Jun 2011, 09:47 BST

Respected throughout the world for its compassion, the charity’s volunteers – and resources – are beacons of hope to the impoverished long after visiting politicians, and television cameras, have left scenes of abject desolation and hopelessness.

However, Oxfam would not be able to make such a lasting difference without the generosity of its supporters – like those 700 intrepid walkers who embraced, and completed, this year’s Trailtrekker challenge across the Yorkshire Dales.

As well as deriving considerable personal satisfaction from completing such a difficult course, each walker was driven by a desire to sustain Oxfam’s priceless work for another year.

Every competitor, and volunteer, deserves a medal for making this event such a great success – and offering some respite to all those whose daily existence is a matter of life or death.

Britain Yorkshire Dales