On Sunday October 18th, 2009, a group of us walked 26 miles along the Clarendon Way - from Salisbury to Winchester - in an attempt to raise £6000 for the Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group. It took us nine hours and was really very tiring indeed.

The long walkers set off from Salisbury at 9am under benign skies, proud to be accompanied by SWVG client Osman Bah - the first time one of our clients has taken on the punishing challenge of the full 26 miles. As we walked the sun broke gently through the clouds and by lunchtime most of us were merrily (or thereabouts) stomping along in shirtsleeves. This year, like last, we got lost just before lunch. (This is turning into a bit of a ritual.) It also meant that we were slightly delayed in liasing with our patient and pumped-up short walkers in Broughton, whose ranks included redoubtable SWVG client Appolinaire Bolaki and three of his glamorous stepdaughters. From there our lengthy convoy crossed the Test in blazing sunshine and garb before the grim ascent up to Farley Mount and onwards, downwards, at last, into Winchester in the fading, now chilled light. We arrived at the Fulflood Arms between 5.30 and 6pm in various states of disrepair, but having avoided actual injury in the main. Perhaps just a little wounded pride from the fastest-paced trio who walked so fast they doubled back upon themselves and spent an hour mistakenly hiking back towards Salisbury until belatedly realizing their mistake. The tortoise and the hare, and all that. They saw the funny side in the end.

Apologies and respect must also go to SWVG client Nowzad Khasrow, who missed the bus to Broughton for the short walk through no fault of his own. Nowzad, you were there in spirit, and much missed.

The SWVG (www.swvg-refugees.org.uk) is a small registered charity which gives personal, practical and financial support to asylum seekers, especially those made destitute by current government policy. The £5,000 we raised on last year's walk was absolutely crucial to the group, enabling us to provide vital humanitarian help and support towards some of the most vulnerable and disenfranchised members of our communities. Because of the recession, many of the SWVG's grants weren't renewed this year, and thus we are truly DESPERATE for whatever money you might be able to send our way. We don't care how little - we appreciate all of it. And we deserve it. We walked 26 miles over rough, tough terrain. So please - we implore you - POSTHUMOUSLY SPONSOR US NOW. 

Our 2009 walkers were:
*drumroll please*

26-milers

Osman Bah

Paul Bavister

Aniko Davis

Chris Elmitt

Paul Erdpresser

Steve Gibson

Jenny Griffin

Kevin Houston

Tania Houston

Seb Hunter

Maianna Moreau

Simon Nicholson

Rodney Troubridge


10-milers

Appolinaire Bolaki

Anisha Nzambi

Crystal Nzambi

Linda Nzambi

Neil Taylor

Andrew White

Walkers, please continue to use and abuse this page to attract sponsorship from friends, family, colleagues, casual acquaintances and pets. It stays open and cash-active for six months.

Please forward this link to as many people as you can!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks,

The Southampton & Winchester Visitors Group