Going the distance to Damascus in ‘Walk in Solidarity’ challenge

A medical photographer at Epsom and St Helier hospitals is raising money and awareness for refugees in Europe, by pledging to walk a staggering 4,350 kilometres (2,702 miles) – the distance between Damascus and London.

David Farrow, who has worked at the trust for 4 years, began the epic challenge (known as Walk in Solidarity) to raise money for the British Red Cross’ Europe Refugee Crisis last Monday and just seven days into the challenge, has already raised £597 and walked 125 kilometres (77 miles) – and counting.

David said: “It’s impossible to comprehend the fear and uncertainty that these refugees face, and so I wanted to take on a challenge that would help me to understand a fraction of what they are trying to overcome. I came up with the idea of walking the vast distance that many of the refugees have already travelled, and trying to raise money and awareness at the same time.

“At the end of the day when I’m tired and it’s raining, walking the 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) home from work wouldn’t usually be my first choice of transport. But then I remember that there are refugees in Europe who are fleeing war zones, often with their young families, and who still need proper shelter. I have waterproofs, comfortable walking boots and a home at the end of it – those are luxuries I know that I am lucky to have and that’s why I feel so strongly about trying to help.”

David has estimated that it will take him 44 weeks to walk the full distance, and has plans to get more and more people involved over time. He said: “I’m less than a week in, but so far, the support from others has been incredible. I really hope that others can get involved in Walk in Solidarity, so I’ll be welcoming people to join me on some of my journey, maybe so that they can start to fundraise for their own cause. A website is being built at the moment that will list events so please keep an eye out for more details on my Just Giving page.”

You can sponsor David online at www.justgiving.com/walkinsolidarity and follow his progress on Twitter @walksolidarity.