Walking the walk – photographer reaches 1,000km for refugee fundraiser
The medical photographer from St Helier Hospital who is walking the equivalent distance between the capital of Syria and London has reached the first milestone of his epic journey, having just passed the 1,000km mark.
David Farrow began his Walk in Solidarity to raise money for the British Red Cross’ Europe Refugee Crisis Appeal in September, and less than four months later has already raised £2,400 for the cause.
David said: “When I started, I had no idea how much support I would receive from the public. People have been absolutely fantastic and as news of Walk in Solidarity has spread, complete strangers are now getting in touch with messages and donations, even waving at me from their cars. Fundraising for the refugee crisis is one of the most important things I have ever done and I can’t believe how much money we have raised just 1,000km into the campaign.
“Every donation makes a difference by getting vital supplies such as food, water, medicine and blankets to the people who need them most and I am so grateful for everyone’s help.”
Although his walking boots are now letting in the water, David is putting off buying a new pair in solidarity with those who are in less fortunate positions, and remarkably, is still remaining positive. He said: “There have been some truly awful mornings where it has rained for three hours solid on the way to work, but in the grand scheme of things, the autumn seems to have been quite mild and dry so far.
“I have it easy, given all the waterproof clothing I carry, and although the leather of my boots is starting to crack I know I can still dry everything out and get warm at the end of the day. My concern is for the people caught up in the crisis who aren’t as prepared as me because the weather in eastern Europe is far worse than anything I have seen yet. I dread to think of what could happen if it snows heavily and people are trapped outside.”
Despite being ahead of schedule and looking to finish his Walk in Solidarity before the expected date in July 2016, David is staying pragmatic about the rest of the distance. “At the moment I am not feeling too bad given the 1,000km my legs have done, but this can all change very easily.
“Injury and illness could really set me back and when I am participating in ultra-marathon distances in the hills and mountains it sometimes feels each step carries the risk of braking or spraining something.”
You can keep up with David’s journey at www.facebook.com/walkinsolidarity, on twitter @walksolidarity or donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/walkinsolidarity.
