When Mandy and Chris first crossed paths, more than 50 years ago, it was more than just mutual attraction that drew them together - it was their shared commitment to making the world a better place.
Their unique love story began with a Christian Aid poster and blossomed into a lifelong partnership, both in marriage and in their dedication to humanitarian efforts.
As we approach Christian Aid Week, draw inspiration from supporters like Mandy and Chris to fundraise for lasting change.
A sign of shared faith and purpose
Mandy, a former teacher, shared a memorable moment from the early days of their relationship: ‘The very first time Chris invited me to his house for dinner, I saw a Christian Aid poster in his window. It featured a collecting tin and people with farming tools, with the words, “It’s amazing what you can get out of a tin today”.
‘It really made me think about the difference we can make in the world through Christian Aid, but also I thought, “Wow, I didn’t know Chris was a Christian and I really fancy this guy and that’s the icing on the cake”.’
A lifetime of service together
After getting married at St. Andrew’s Church in Nottingham, where they both lived at the time, Mandy and Chris continued their journey as Christian Aid collectors.
Moving to Cheshire, they took on roles as Christian Aid reps at Poynton Methodist Church.
Even after retiring from these roles, they remained active, delivering envelopes and advocating for the charity’s causes.
Celebrating with purpose
For their golden wedding anniversary, Mandy and Chris chose to celebrate in a way that reflected their shared values.
They hosted a church family lunch, declaring the meal a gift from them but encouraging donations for Christian Aid.
Their celebration raised £800, a testament to the generosity of their community and the couple’s ongoing commitment to the cause.
Why they continue to support Christian Aid
Mandy articulated why Christian Aid’s mission resonates so deeply with them:
‘I just like the way Christian Aid works,’ she explained. 'It empowers people to make a living for themselves. It’s like the saying, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." The projects we support are designed to last, offering long-term solutions to poverty.'
This Christian Aid Week, Mandy and Chris are celebrating a milestone in their relationship but also continuing their tradition of active participation in fundraising efforts.
Your donation will help push back against the inhumanity of poverty this Christian Aid Week.
