Two friends from Sudan have finished a month-long, 900-mile walk across the United Kingdom, a journey undertaken to fund the construction of schools for displaced children. Their effort has surpassed all expectations, raising more than triple their initial goal.
The walk began in Dungeness, Kent, and concluded at John o’Groats in Scotland, a route deliberately chosen for the harsh winter conditions. The pair faced freezing temperatures, including a grueling 16-hour stretch in sub-zero weather while crossing into Scotland. They stated that enduring the cold was a way to connect with the daily hardships faced by many in Sudan.
Throughout the 33-day trek, the walkers reported an outpouring of public support. They were offered meals, accommodation, and spontaneous donations from individuals across the country. The men emphasized that the generosity they encountered from people of all backgrounds contrasted sharply with negative political rhetoric often heard about refugees and immigrants.
“The kindness was overwhelming,” one of the walkers remarked. “We were welcomed into homes without judgment. It showed us the true character of the community here.”
Originally aiming to collect £35,000 to build a single school at a refugee camp in Chad, their campaign has now garnered over £100,000. The additional funds will allow for the construction of several educational facilities.
The walkers were assisted by a refugee advocacy group, which helped coordinate their effort. A representative from the organization noted that the journey demonstrated a widespread public compassion that is frequently overlooked in political debates.
Upon completing their trek, the men returned to London to a celebratory reception. Reflecting on the experience, one walker shared that the greatest lesson was witnessing the fundamental goodwill within society, where people offered help based on shared humanity, not appearance or origin.