heather brighouse

Ben Van der Velde's Long Walk Home

Fundraising for The Refugee Council
£4,179
raised of £5,000 target
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Ben Van der Velde Walks the Lines, 5 April 2017
The Refugee Council

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RCN 1014576
We support & empower refugees to lead safe, dignified & fulfilling lives

Story

Whilst I should be busy sweating over my Edinburgh show I have decided to take on my biggest charity attempt yet.  

Last year myself and fellow comedian tried (and heroically failed) to visit ever embassy in London in 24 hours.  This year I've decided to up the stakes and visit every tube station (including the DLR, but not the Overground, pedantry fans) on foot.  This will mean covering about 350 miles over the space of a month, essentially meaning that on average I'll be walking a half-marathon a day!

I'm doing this in aid of the Refugee Council as, even though we may not really notice it right now in sunny old England, Europe is currently living through the worst refugee crisis since World War Two.  People just like you and me are fleeing Syria, Iraq, Eritrea and more from the utter madness that is going on there.  I'm lucky enough that 75 years ago my grandparents were able to get into this country and survive with relatively little fuss.  Sadly that's not happening today.  Refugees are having to walk almost the entire length of the continent in search of shelter and help - even then they are often not receiving it.  The Refugee Council is a remarkable organisation that is doing its utmost to provide assistance.  

I'm not walking across Europe, but walking all the way around and entire city - several times over - will hopefully highlight further the help people escaping conflict need.  If you like the idea of helping and the absolute state my legs and feet are going to be in by early July, then please donate.

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About the charity

The Refugee Council

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1014576
The Refugee Council is one of the leading charities working with asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. As a human rights charity, independent of government, we work to ensure that refugees are given the protection they need, that they are treated with respect and understanding.

Donation summary

Total raised
£4,178.50
+ £873.32 Gift Aid
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£4,178.50
Offline donations
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