Camps International teenager starts 837-mile walk challenge

Eloise Laws is heading to Kenya for a month with Camps International in July 2025, where she’ll be helping communities build wells, clean water stations, and schools.

The 13-year-old will also be helping local kids learn English and creating barriers to safeguard wildlife by keeping them away from farms and villages.

The Holmes Chapel Comprehensive pupil needs to raise £5,000 to make the trip possible, which she hopes to achieve through a year-long sponsored 837-mile walking challenge, the equivalent distance from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

(L-R): Eloise with dad, Rob Laws; brother, Sam Laws; and mum, Rachel Laws - the teen hopes to clock up more weekend miles with the help of her family (Image: Rachel Laws)

She’s aiming to do a minimum of two miles per day, every day, for as long as it takes, though she’ll be doing longer walks at weekends to get ahead.

Eloise’s mum, Rachel Laws, says she ‘couldn’t be more proud’ of her daughter’s massive undertaking, both in terms of the fundraising, and the trip itself.

She added: “I’m really excited for her, but as a mum, I’m also really nervous.

“She’s a typical teenager and loves being out and about with her friends, but she’s also got a big heart in terms of people in need. She’s a good kid. 

Eloise Laws (left) and her brother, Sam Laws, who will no doubt be walking a few extra miles in support of his sister's challenge (Image: Rachel Laws)

“We’ve looked into volunteering opportunities closer to home, but there are lots of restrictions for people her age.

“When this opportunity came up, it seemed ideal, not least because she’ll be just that little bit older when it finally comes around. She jumped at it.

“I think it’s the wildlife side of things which appeal to her most, as well as teaching English to the kids.

“She only recently changed school to Holmes Chapel Comprehensive, and she’s really thriving there, as this opportunity shows. Already it’s been a real positive force in her life, and this is just the icing on the cake.

“We’re immensely proud of her. It’s a huge thing, spending four week such a long way away.

“Fundraising isn’t the easiest thing either, and to have accepted the challenge, and come up with so many ideas, is a real achievement."

Eloise began her walking challenge on Thursday, April 11, with a 1.65-kilometre walk around Shakerley Mere.

She’s also looking for opportunities to work with local businesses, exchanging her time for a donation towards her fund, as well as bag-packing at supermarkets near her home.

Eloise said: “Going to Kenya is the opportunity of a lifetime and a chance to get stuck in and make a real difference to people’s lives.

“I decided to include such a big walk in my fundraising because I want to show people I’m strong enough, and determined enough, to take on a huge challenge, and smash it.”