My name is Romeo and I’ m 10 years old and I live in Palermo, Sicily, with my Italian mum and English dad. After months of virus lock-down, with all flights cancelled, I decided secretly that I was going to walk back to my original home in London and see my Grandma Rosemary. I miss her. 2800km from Sicily to London is a long way but I have planned everything, what supplies to take and (as I'm reminded every day) how to  make the journey being careful of the virus, including mask, distances and if necessary quarantine ( I hope not!). I'm also
taking Dad as he might be handy in any grown up situations, like  crossing borders and stuff. Even if planes start again I don't want to use them - they hurt the planet and there is nothing to see from the windows. If I get tired of walking, I will cycle or borrow a donkey or find a Sea Captain to sail with the wind.

My Mum runs REACT (a charity that support vulnerable refugees, especially kids and women)  and I want to help her fund a drop in and community center in Palermo where I made lots of friends from all over the world, who need a place to talk and sort out their problems
like where to sleep or how to get their refugee papers, and to learn about their rights. Everyone is welcome there and feels looked after so in return everyone helps each other.

If you support me, this money will also go to buy 50 tablets and wifi connection for refugee and local disadvantaged kids to use and share.  I  know that some kids my age and older here in Palermo have missed out on all the study during lock-down because they cannot get online for the lessons and already find themselves excluded and missing out.  Being able to learn online and have digital learning is important!

I decided that this journey with my Dad should help support these projects. We should help each other. Always. SO... come with me on the journey!  I start at my front door in Palermo, walk and cycle up into the mountains towards Messina, then look for a sailboat across up to mainland Italy and then walk walk walk up to France and KEEP going towards the UK. Phew!

Please share #RomeosBigJourney and donate whatever possible or else just support me online & say hello!

www.instagram.com/romeos_big_journey_home

www.facebook.com/RomeosBigJourney

If you wish please join me in fundraising or come on a part of the journey!  That would be great!

Every day I will check what I have reached to give myself a boost - so help me reach my target and keep me strong on the road!. Thank you! Grazie!