A charity fundraiser from Wednesfield is taking part in the Good Shepherd’s Miles into Meals campaign for 2024 and aiming to contribute 100 miles to the target over the next month.
Ade Doughty, who turned 50 last year, is planning, with the help of friends, to chalk up the century via a mix of walking, cycling and swimming, and launched his effort at the West Park Walks which kicked off Miles into Meals yesterday.
Ade has previously fundraised to support many other charities and good causes, including inspirational young fan River Rhodes, a prostate cancer charity and another raising money for research around stillborn babies.
And now, he has decided to take on this challenge for the Good Shepherd, including not just the physical challenges but also several football cards where the winner and the charity share the proceeds.
“I’ve done a fair bit of fundraising in the past and people often ask me why I do it,” says Ade, also a friend of well-known Good Shepherd volunteer John Price.
“I do it, because I can and, while I can still make a difference, it’s nice to give back.
“All I am doing is giving my time, and then people are great in coming forward to support me with all the fundraising.
“I’ll do some walking and cycling, and I’ve just taken up swimming, and a mate of mine is going to help by doing some jogging.
“I’d love to try and raise £2,000 if I can – I’m looking forward to the challenge!”
Ade, a wagon driver, was at the ‘Final Whistle’ event with former Premier League referees Mike Dean and Jon Moss at the Cleveland Arms last week, which raised funds for the Good Shepherd.
Picture courtesy Martin Hodgkiss Photography
He has also visited the charity to meet staff and service-users and to see the difference that his fundraising will make to helping people from across the community with food and other support.
Several events are planned to help cover the century of miles, including open water swimming this weekend with River’s Dad Ryan and a bike ride with Craig Foley on July 6th from Birmingham New Street to St Andrew’s, Villa Park, the Hawthorns, Banks’s Stadium and Molineux.
Another friend John Dixon has also decided to take on his own marathon challenge, of running 100 miles during the next month.
“I know a lot of people around the city have hit hard times, and that charities like the Good Shepherd support them,” Ade added.
“I went to visit and had a tour around to see all the work that they do, and I could see the difference that it all makes.
“I met someone who had just got a job having first come to the charity as a volunteer, and some other guys who were involved in fishing and other activities and trying to get themselves back on track.
“I think people just need a bit of guidance and a step up when they have hit hard times and that is what the Good Shepherd does.
“For us we might have a bad day at work and feel low but for others it’s really difficult and can last a long time.
“It’s important that we all do what we can and give a bit back and that is what I am hoping to do over the next month.”
- Anyone wishing to donate to Ade’s Miles into Meals challenge – with all funds raised going into the Good Shepherd’s free-to-access food and support services – can do so by clicking here.