Like many people in Britain and throughout the world, we have found the circumstances of lockdown during Coronavirus challenging at times. However the effect on us personally has in reality been minimal and we have had time to re-evaluate the many blessings we do have; nourishing food on the table, a water supply and sanitation, a roof over our heads, the ability to communicate with others via the phone and the internet and of course each other! We also appreciate living in a democracy and not being constantly living in fear for our lives. 

Whilst we may be blessed many are not anything like as fortunate and we have been thinking particularly of refugees.Every year people make dangerous journeys to reach our shore and claim asylum. They have fled conflict and persecution and are desperately seeking safety. But the system they rely on all too often fails them. Instead of safety and shelter, they can be left hungry and homeless on our streets whilst they wait, sometimes years, to get a decision that in many cases is wrong. Its unfair and ineffective. It doesn’t have to be this way. We believe a future is possible where those forced to flee the homes they loved receive compassion, a fair decision, essential support and help to rebuild their lives. We’ve  joined Refugee Action's Race for Refugees to make our contribution by fund raising to help  to change the system for good. 

Our own journey began last year when we read the book “The Salt Path” by Raynor Winn, whilst on holiday. It made us think what it might be like to be homeless, carrying all your worldly goods with you, the plight of many refugees. It really inspired us to commit to a fund raising event which would challenge us in a similar way , hence the decision to walk and camp 100 miles.

Please help us in return  by pledging a donation in recognising the effort we are making by walking the South Downs Way together with fully loaded back packs, sleeping overnight in a 2 person tent along the way which we anticipate will be a challenge to us both, in our 60’s! We thank you for taking the time to read our story. 

Dave and Helen