Be a shoe-perhero like Rob Kearney and totter a mile for charity

Irish rugby star Rob Kearney is urging men to step it out for charity — in a pair of high heels.

The muscle-bound sportsman chose a pair of fiery red stiletto platform shoes yesterday when he launched Walk a Mile in her Shoes for Concern and Women’s Aid.

The joint campaign is to raise funds and awareness to help prevent violence against women at home and abroad.

On Saturday, September 13, sponsored walks will be held in Dublin, Cork, and Galway where only men wearing high heels can take part.

Participants will squeeze themselves into the shoes and totter for a mile to raise money for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

“It doesn’t take a lot of training to take part and should be great fun while at the same time raising awareness about a very serious issue,” said Rob yesterday

The idea for the fund-raiser came from the old saying: ‘You can’t understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.’

Concern Worldwide spokeswoman Karen Power said the event was an opportunity for men to stand up and show they do not condone violence against women.

“It demonstrates that men are willing and able to be courageous partners with women in making the world a safer place,” she said.

All funds will go directly to Concern and Women’s Aid charity projects.

Ms Power said the walk would be an extra challenge for the men.

“It won’t be easy and it’s not a race,” said Ms Power. “But it is an opportunity to show where you stand on gender equality and violence against women.”

Ms Power said the charities were talking to suppliers about getting high heels in men’s sizes.

They are hoping to get a discount on the shoes for the men taking part.

All of the men registering for the event will be advised about getting suitable women’s shoes for the event.

All funds for Women’s Aid will go towards their National Freephone Helpline providing free, confidential support and information to women experiencing domestic abuse in Ireland.

All funds for Concern go directly to the charity’s overseas gender violence programmes, such as the programme to end violence against women in Malawi by creating safe learning environments for girls.

Women can also take part, if they wish, and are more than welcome to cheer on those men brave enough to step it out in heels.

-For more information or to register to take part visit Walk a Mile's website. Registration costs €20.