£2,500 backing for Shelterboots and Shelterbox

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On a wild and windy day at Stoodley Pike, members of our Club met up with Rotarian Dave Foster, from Evesham Vale Rotary Club, to present a £2,500 donation in support of his ShelterBoots fundraising walk for ShelterBox. Dave is currently walking the length of England from Land’s End to the Scottish border - around 700 miles - aiming to raise £20,000 so that ShelterBox can provide emergency shelter and essential tools to families whose homes have been destroyed by disaster and conflict.
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Despite the gale‑force conditions on the hill, there was a warm welcome for Dave as he reached the monument roughly half an hour ahead of the programmed time.  After photos and conversation at the monument entrance, we were delighted to present a ceremonial cheque for £2,500 on behalf of the Club and our supporters.

Dave’s reaction made it clear how much this gift meant. He explained that he had never before received such a substantial single donation for his fundraising and that our contribution represented a major step towards his £20,000 target, taking his running total for the walk to more than £16,000 so far. For a challenge carried out one day and one mile at a time, this level of backing clearly made a real difference.
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Meeting the man behind ShelterBoots
Later, Dave was hosted for the night by Club member Rob Freeth and his wife Helen, and that evening, members of the Club joined him at the Robin Hood Inn for a more relaxed opportunity to hear his story. Dave is a retired vicar, aged 71, and an experienced long‑distance walker who typically covers between 12 and 15 miles each day on his challenges. Over recent years he has completed three major charity walks: two in support of ShelterBox and one for the RNLI. His commitment to “putting on his boots for good causes” and his determination to keep going whatever the weather impressed everyone present.
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‍Why ShelterBox and why we are supporting ShelterBoots
ShelterBox is Rotary’s international disaster‑relief partner, working around the world to provide emergency shelter, tools and other essential items to people whose homes have been destroyed by earthquakes, floods, conflict and other crises.  Our Club has supported the charity for many years.  Dave’s ShelterBoots challenge is a powerful example of how one Rotarian’s personal effort can help turn that global partnership into practical support for families in desperate need of a roof over their heads and a safe place to begin rebuilding their lives.
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Our £2,500 donation reflects the Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge’s continuing commitment to humanitarian work beyond our own valley, and we are proud that this gift forms a significant part of Dave’s ShelterBoots fundraising. We also recognise and value the wider network of Rotary clubs, friends and supporters along his route who are hosting him, walking with him for sections of the journey and helping to tell the ShelterBox story.
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Follow and support ShelterBoots
We encourage members, friends and the wider community to follow Dave’s progress and, if they are able, to add their support. You can find full details of his route, updates from the walk and ways to donate at www.shelterboots.uk, or by searching online and on social media for “ShelterBoots”.
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As Dave continues north from Hebden Bridge towards the Scottish border, we wish him fairer weather, sound boots and plenty of encouragement from all the communities he passes through, and we look forward to hearing that his ShelterBoots challenge has reached, and perhaps even exceeded, the £20,000 target for ShelterBox.
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