THE BIG TREK 4 PALESTINE VISITS LONDON
On Sunday 18th May Ruth Herbert arrived in London on day 17 of her 4000 mile walk to raise money for the UK registered charity MAP - Medical Aid for Palestinians. Ruth’s ‘Big Trek 4 Palestine’ will take 6 months as she walks through 11 countries, finishing in Turkey – the closest she can get to Gaza.
After leaving Luton on Saturday morning Ruth made her way to Watford and from there, accompanied by local supporters, she walked 20 miles to Trafalgar Square where she received a rapturous welcome from friends and members of the Greenwich 4 Palestine group. Today she will visit the offices of Medical Aid for Palestinians in central London before setting off for Greenwich.
In just over two weeks, she has crossed the country in beautiful sunshine, passing through the counties of Lancashire, Greater Manchester Derbyshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Since leaving home in Arnside, South Cumbria on May 2nd Ruth has covered 300 miles walking approximately 20 miles each day often in the company of local people inspired and excited by this epic adventure. People who have met Ruth so far have been amazed and moved by the challenge she has set herself.
The secretary of Watford PSC Shareefa said : “ her trek is more than a physical journey – it is a powerful act of solidarity, a call to conscience”
Dr Bushera Choudry who walked with Ruth yesterday said “Walking thousands of miles for Palestine, she carries with her the voices of the unheard and the hope for justice. Her courage inspires us all to take meaningful steps- however large or small toward peace and human dignity “
Amir Afzal commented “ ..so wonderful to see a young woman dedicated to justice and raising awareness of the plight of the Palestinian people “
Everyone is invited to join the adventure; to greet her as she passes by or to walk some of the way with her; company and conversation help the miles pass by. Ruth will be welcomed in Greenwich this evening at 5pm at Cutty Sark Gardens before embarking on the next leg of her trek which will take her to Gravesend as she continues her journey to the south coast via Sittingbourne.
She said “ the first 2 weeks of the Big Trek 4 Palestine have been filled with kindness and enthusiasm and I’ve met the most delightful people, and such a mix of people. It’s been so positive, but also a time for people to reflect on how they feel about what is happening in Gaza, and to talk about their grief. Thank you to everyone who has supported me. Let’s make a difference and bring hope to the world by our actions”
On Day 22, after roughly 350 miles, she will arrive in Dover where she will take the ferry to France and begin the long journey through mainland Europe walking through a further 10 countries to complete her 4000 mile trip in Turkey.
You can support her fundraising efforts here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bigtrek4palestine
To follow Ruth’s progress over the next 6 months you can find her on Facebook and Instagram @bigtrek4palestine