Smiley Movement logo

73-year-old raises £13,500 for kids' charity

Words by Smiley Team

Wanting to raise vital funds and awareness for some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children, Michael Jacobs from Hampstead Garden Suburb decided to walk the distance from London to St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

He completed the 1,128 mile charity trek and has raised a total of £13,493 for Nepal children’s charity, Kidasha

“I’m absolutely overjoyed that I have been able to complete this trek in support of Kidasha," says Michael. "My wife and I walked from Siena to Rome for real in 2008 as our last major international training challenge before trekking up to Everest Base Camp, so retracing our steps has brought back wonderful memories!

“The pandemic has been tough for everyone, but the vulnerable families and children of Nepal have been faced with extreme hardship. I’m glad that our efforts will be able to raise awareness of those living in extreme poverty, and provide support to those that still need it.”

[Sign up here to receive a weekly dose of positive news in your inbox]

Diagnosed as clinically-vulnerable due to a health condition, Myke was faced with the challenge of completing his trek whilst staying safe. As a result, he decided to cover the distance using the space provided by a secluded field behind his house.

Over the course of a year, he has completed 12,500 laps of the field - 2.6 million steps - in support of Kidasha. In fact, Michael’s track is so well worn that you can see it from space

Michael, a retired tax lawyer, is also a former Chairman and Trustee of Kidasha. After his retirement in 2013, he began embarking on more charity treks with his wife, Ruth, to continue his support of Kidasha.

Since 2006, he has walked through Nepal’s Himalayas and Annapurna mountain ranges - and even reached Everest Base Camp in 2008 - to raise money for the most vulnerable children in Nepal. The total Michael and Ruth have raised over the years through personal challenges, appeals and advocacy with some charitable foundations is in excess of £260,000.

Raising funds for children in Nepal

All of the funds raised from Michael’s trek will support Kidasha’s work to improve the lives of children living in chronic poverty in Nepal.

This includes working to end child exploitation by providing homeless children with safe shelter, supporting children into education, and working to create new opportunities and help the most marginalised escape poverty. 

Janice Miller, Chief Executive of Kidasha, said: “What Michael has achieved is incredible, and it’s been amazing to see his friends and community come together in support of him and Kidasha during what have been such difficult times for everyone.

"Michael’s determination and selflessness not only undertaking this incredible challenge but also many others over the last 17 years have been invaluable in helping Kidasha to maintain support and services for the most vulnerable children in Nepal.”

Inspired to act?

SUPPORT: To support Michael Jacobs’ fundraising efforts, visit his fundraising page: Myke’s ‘Trek to Rome without ever leaving home’ fundraising page.

GET INVOLVED: To learn more about Kidasha, visit the charity's website.

 

This article aligns with the following UN SDGs

You might also like…