Dancing on Ice champion Vanessa Bauer was part of a 500-strong crowd from across Milton Keynes who took part in a six-kilometre walk for the World Vision charity at Willen Lake yesterday.
The walk was part of the Global 6k for Water yearly event organised by international children's charity World Vision. It aims to raise awareness on lack of clean water in developing countries. Last year, more than 48,000 people in 30 different countries walked or ran the distance.
The pro-skater, who hosted a warm-up session with the crowd before the race, said prior to the day: “I can’t wait to get involved in the Global 6K. What a great opportunity for everyone to come together to help give children the healthiest and happiest start in life. It’s going to be an amazing day.”
Six kilometres (or 3.7 miles) is the average distance a child walks to fetch water for their households every day. Children miss school because of the time spent fetching water - often contaminated - and may encounter dangers along the journey. Thousands of children under the age of five still die every year because of dirty water and poor sanitation.
Bauer continued: “While walking (or running) the distance, we should all remember why we are taking part. Bringing clean water to communities is more than just giving families something safe to drink. It is about ensuring the young children who have to walk this long and dangerous walk every day, can instead attend school and play with their friends.
“World Vision have been doing a fantastic work bringing safe water to communities in some of the world's poorest areas, but more needs to be done. I urge everyone to get involved in this fantastic initiative to help change lives.”
Funds raised will help water projects including procuring water pumps and solar panels, designing a new distribution system, and developing the water pipelines system and infrastructure.
