Story
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Members of the Brighton and Hove Ceasefire Coalition are raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
We did it! Please read the post-event summary:
On this glorious spring Sunday, around 80 people joined the Tom Paine sponsored walk for Gaza, from Brighton to Lewes.
It was a fantastic collective effort in sponsorship that started six weeks ago in the midst of the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Participants were determined to raise desperately needed funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians, one of the foremost charities attempting to deliver support to the beleaguered people of Gaza.
And people have donated generously, such that by the time we had finished the walk this evening, the fundraising total stood at over £9,200.
This is a historic ramble, taking people from Whitehawk over the hill to Ovingdean and Woodingdean, then across the spectacular South Downs to Lewes and its 'twittens'. The walk ends at the former house of the great 18th century revolutionary Tom Paine on Lewes High St.
Today, on the steps of Paine's house, Phil Mellows and Christian Hogsbjerg gave short speeches on the life of Paine, linking his radical ideas to the Palestinian struggle against injustice and oppression.
On the walk, first-time participant Piotr said:
"I feel that I have do to something to end the suffering of the people in Gaza, because our government isn't doing anything. There has to be an immediate ceasefire."
These were sentiments reflected by other walkers. Alex stated:
"I'm very involved in Palestine solidarity, and when I heard about this walk, I felt I just had to do it. Even though I haven't walked this far in a long time!"
Kirstie explained that
"I just feel I have to do something to raise public consciousness. Governments around the world have to get together to get a ceasefire."
For Trade, involvement in the pro-Palestinian movements is essential:
"They're such a wonderful community. I'm not in a position to donate much money, so showing up physically is really important. We need to stop the genocide and have a ceasefire now."
Donation platform organiser Lucas eloquently summed up the event:
"This sponsored walk is not just a journey through the countryside; it's a step towards solidarity, and to bring tangible support to those living under the horrific conditions caused by Israeli bombardment and blockade that challenges the health and dignity of Palestinians daily. By participating and supporting, we're collectively sending a powerful message of compassion and action. Medical Aid for Palestinians is one of the only international charities still operating on the ground in the north of Gaza, and it is crucial to support them. From the South Downs to the sea, Palestine will be free."
Members of the Brighton and Hove Ceasefire Coalition are raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
We will be walking from Brighton to Lewes over the spectacular Downs to the house of Tom Paine.
Tom Paine is the Great English-American revolutionary, author of the Rights of Man and fighter for freedom of the oppressed everywhere.
Brief plan for the day:
We will meet on the 24th of March at 11am at East Brighton Park, at the Junction of Wilson Ave and Roedean Rd. We'll cut across the park, into the Downs, and follow the trail to Woodingdean. Stop in W'dean (pub at crossroads) for lunch. Some participants may drop out here, or indeed join here. We'll be setting off again around 1-1.30pm, cutting diagonally across the Downs towards Lewes.
Once in Lewes we will meander through the "twittens" to Tom Paine's old abode/workplace on the High St, where a short talk on the life of the revolutionary and his relevance today will be given.
The walk distance is about 10 miles.
Everyone is welcome to join us for the walk.
There is no limit to the number of participants as we are trying to raise as much money as possible for MAP. If you'd like to participate, please ask your friends and colleagues to sponsor you by donating here or make a donation yourself.
You can also collect cash donations to be transferred directly to MAP. If you collect cash, you can save and print the sheet below if it helps.
Any questions please email: manusmcgrogan@hotmail.co.uk
How your donation can help:
- £5 pays for antibiotics
- £10 pays for medicine to treat blood loss
- £25 pays for a hygiene kit containing sanitary products and nappies
- £50 provides a displaced family with a blanket and mattress
- £85 pays for antiseptic to treat people who suffered from burns
Thank you for your donation and looking forward to seeing all participants on March 24th!
Additional information:
- Online donations are transferred to MAP's bank account every week, not just after the event. Therefore the sooner we receive donations on the platform the sooner MAP will begin receiving funds.
- If you are collecting cash, we ask that you pay MAP directly (bank account will be shared), or if it's easier you can do a bulk donation on here.
- The target of £1000 is amenable and we will increase it if it is reached. The platform can continue to receive donations beyond the target.
- The online fundraiser will remain active until 24th of April (one month after the event) to allow for late/further donations.
Target 1: £1000 - Reached 22/02
Target 2: £2000 - Reached 27/02
Target 3: £3000 - Reached 05/03
Target 4: £4000 - Reached 19/03
Target 5: £5000 - Reached 21/03 !!!