EcoJudaism chair raises £6k after 50-mile football ground challenge

EcoJudaism chair Rafi Addlestone has raised more than £6,200 after completing a 50-mile walk between football grounds across London in a single day.

Nearly 100 supporters have backed the fundraiser since Addlestone took on the challenge last month, helping him reach more than 60 percent of his £10,000 target in support of the Jewish environmental charity.

The challenge was organised to raise funds for EcoJudaism, which works with synagogues, schools and communal organisations to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility across Jewish life.

Explaining why he took on the challenge, Addlestone said: “I am proud of my Jewish heritage and tradition. Rabbi Sacks talks about Judaism in terms of protest, that the world is not as it ought to be. We are instructed to ‘Choose Life’ (Deuteronomy 30:19) and take responsibility for healing our fractured world.”

He added: “That’s what powers us at EcoJudaism, where I’m proud to be the new Chair of Trustees and why I’m doing this second ridiculous challenge – 50 miles walking between all of the football grounds in London, all in one day – to raise awareness of this most vital of issues and to raise much-needed funds to support EcoJudaism’s vital work.”

On his fundraising page, Addlestone warned that without significant action on climate change and biodiversity loss, future generations could face “a more dangerous, more unstable and less prosperous world”.

EcoJudaism describes its mission as helping the UK Jewish community respond to environmental challenges through practical action, education and collaboration. Its work includes environmental audits, carbon measurement projects, educational programmes and partnerships with other climate-focused faith groups.

Addlestone, who chairs the charity’s trustees, is also a trustee at JW3 and has held a number of senior volunteer leadership roles within the Jewish community.

Donations to the appeal remain open, with supporters continuing to contribute towards the £10,000 fundraising target.