A Hexham grandma has set herself a walking challenge to help end water poverty in areas of the world.

Rosemary Theobalds (80) has signed up to complete Cafod’s (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) Walk for Water.

Rosemary, who has eight children and 19 grandchildren, will be walking 10,000 steps per day for the 40 consecutive days of Lent (February 17 - April 4).

“During lockdown we have all been going for walks and when I saw the opportunity I thought ‘that is something I could definitely do’.”

Rosemary, who lives in Low Burswell, had watched Cafod’s video of a man named Abdella (23) who lives in Afar in Ethiopia and has to walk 10 hours a day to get water.

She said: “That really made me more determined than ever.

“What I was doing was really nothing compared to what he was doing.”

“I support the work of Cafod as many ways as I can,” Rosemary added.

The money Cafod raise will go towards helping to bring clean, fresh water for those in need, including by being able to install solar-powered water pumps.

Whilst in the previous lockdown Rosemary often rode her bike, this lockdown she has been walking more due to the the recent snowy weather.

Rosemary’s son Jonathan said: “I think it’s very brave and admirable.

“I am very confident she will do it.”

“She is a very determined sort of person,” he added.

“I am very proud of her doing this.

“She cares passionately about equality and dignity for everyone, so a fantastic total for her to give to this important cause, would be a fitting reward for someone that has already given so much to the local community of Hexham.”

Jonathan said his daughter, who lives in Nottingham, is going to do some of the walks virtually with her grandma, setting off at a similar time.

Rosemary plans to walk the 10,000 steps a day on various routes from her house, including to Tyne Green.

“I shall take different walks each day,” she said.

Rosemary has been heavily involved in the local community and has been a key member of various charities helping local homeless, disadvantaged and disabled groups.

One of the charities she has been involved in is homeless charity Stopgap.

“It is always rewarding that you are progressing the work of that particular charity,” Rosemary said.

To donate, visit https://walk.cafod.org.uk/fundraising/10000-steps-for-lent.

To learn more about Cafod and the Walk for Water, visit https://cafod.org.uk/Fundraise/Walk-for-Water.