Well, I did it!! It was one long slog, I must say, and there were
more than a few times when I thought I was not going to make it - felt
like vomiting, fainting and developed some big old blisters, and the
sun and the hills were killers - but I didn't stop. Was totally buoyed
along knowing how much all of you have donated. Feel very blessed to
have the health to put my body through this rather traumatic experience
and to know that you were all there supporting me. I'm also super happy to be able to give all this money to Tree of Life, I know that it'll be used well.
If you're coming to this page for the first time, it's not too late
to make a donation. This page will stay live for a couple of months now
that the event is over. Would be great to push the totals up a bit! Really appreciate your support.
Your money will to go to Tree of Life because I really feel that healing a nation of people so battered by their government is so necessary for a positive future.
The Tree of Life is a healing and empowerment
workshop that combines the concepts of story telling, healing of the
spirit, reconnecting with the body and with nature, and re-establishing
a sense of self-esteem and community.
In 2003 the workshop was first adapted
to respond to the specific needs of Zimbabwean torture victims who were
refugees in South Africa. The programme has been running for the last 5
years, reaching hundreds of Zimbabweans in South Africa.
In 2004, the workshop was introduced
in Zimbabwe with torture victims, displaced people, and traumatised
communities. In the past 5 years, despite the continuation of torture
of activists, over 850 participants have taken part in the process and
30 facilitators have been trained. In the last 2 years, it has been
introduced to and used by a number of human rights groups and communities
who have experienced trauma (WOZA, ABA, CHRA, JAG, GAPWUZ, UHURU, Mabvuku
Community Centre)
This process of circle story telling
and healing has been used in the Chikukwa community, (Chimanimani) and
in Kufunda Village (Ruwa) in their work with Conflict Resolution, community
decision making and community projects.
The effect of intimidation and fear is
to isolate and separate people, making them feel alone with their problems.
One of the most important aspects of healing is to break these patterns
of isolation and to rebuild a sense of belonging.
By giving them just a little of
your money you will help them to keep on doing their vital work. WeZimbabwe has very kindly agreed to forward on the money to Tree of Life for us.
If you've not donated through JustGiving before - here's some blurb on that: Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.