Fundraiser Individual Highly Commended Godwin Debattista with Daniel O'Loughlin from White Hart Press. Image: Bedford Independent
A fundraiser who received a ‘highly commended’ award at last year’s Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes awards is taking on more challenges this year to celebrate his 60th birthday – and his family is joining too.
Godwin ‘Goddo’ Debattista began fundraising for the Children with Cancer UK charity during the pandemic, walking 102 miles in 2020 and during 2021 he covered 165 miles from Portishead to Southend and another 60 miles from Gozo to Malta.
This year, ‘Team Goddo‘ will be taking on the London Marathon as well as a 17-hour walk from his home in Bedford to central London.
This will be Goddo’s second marathon, but his daughter, Charlotte, will be running the distance for the first time and said that the training has not just been physically challenging.
“My marathon training is going well and to plan but I am amazed at how mentally challenging it has been,” said Charlotte.
“Although I do find that some really good music and a running partner can help with this.
“I am really looking forward to the whole atmosphere of the marathon. From the other runners running by my side, to the people on the side cheering us on.
“Running my first-ever marathon for Children with Cancer UK means more than words can describe. Let’s just say, after recently becoming a mother myself, there are many reasons why I am putting my body through this challenge. Knowing that I am potentially helping dear little children who are less fortunate than my own son, means so much”.
2021 Fundraiser Individual Highly Commended Godwin Debattista with Daniel O’Loughlin from White Hart Press
In September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Team Goddo will walk the 60 miles from Bedford to the Princess Diana Memorial in Hyde Park, London.
“I am thrilled to be celebrating my 60th birthday this year, whilst also supporting my favourite charity Children With Cancer UK,” said Goddo.
“The 60-mile walk from my home town of Bedford to The Princess Diana Memorial in Central London is special for me as it was the Princess who launched the charity in 1988.
“Her quote “An act of kindness may only take a moment, but when captured in the heart, the memory lives forever”, is something I relate to and I have lived most of my life with this approach.”
Goddo’s family, including wife Colette, daughters Charlotte and Sophie, their partners Chris and Malcolm, and his 1 year old grandson, will be joining parts of the walk to London.
And in October he will be organising a similar length walk in his home country of Malta to support ‘Fondazzjoni Sebh’, a charity that provides shelter for female survivors of violence and their children.
You can follow Team Goddo’s progress and donate to Children With Cancer UK at their website here.
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