Sudanese Friends Complete Gruelling 900-Mile UK Winter Walk
Two friends from Sudan have completed an extraordinary 900-mile walk the length of the United Kingdom, raising nearly £90,000 to build schools for displaced children in their home country. Giel Malual and John Kuei embarked on their epic journey from Dungeness in Kent to John o'Groats in Scotland, deliberately choosing to undertake the challenge during the coldest weeks of the year.
Overwhelming Public Support Along the Route
The walkers reported being inundated with messages from people across the country offering hot meals and free accommodation throughout their 33-day trek. Malual, who came to the UK from South Sudan aged 16, described the experience as "overwhelming," noting that they received support from people of all cultures, races, and backgrounds.
"All the houses that we slept in, all the welcome that we were given, all the warmth and the support, the cheers and the encouragement that we have received, it has been overwhelming," said Malual. "We hear a lot of negativity from a loud minority in this country. I believe it's not what truly represents the British public."
Challenging Winter Conditions and Personal Motivation
The pair set out from Kent on 19 December, facing some of the coldest weather of the year. One of their most gruelling stretches involved a 16-hour walk from Otterburn to Galashiels in temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F) as they crossed the border into Scotland.
Malual explained that choosing winter for their challenge was deeply personal: "Deciding to do this in winter was to create awareness and also to put myself in the shoes of day-to-day Sudanese struggles in life, how hard it is for them to survive and walk hundreds of miles to find safety."
Fundraising Success Beyond Expectations
Originally aiming to raise £35,000 to open a single school at a Sudanese refugee camp in Chad, the pair have now raised almost £90,000 and hope to build several schools. Along their journey, they encountered remarkable generosity, including Airbnb hosts who refunded their payments and donated to their cause, and numerous people who stopped their cars to chat and make donations.
Organisational Support and Political Commentary
The walk was supported by Asylum Speakers, an organisation that helps amplify refugee voices in the UK. Gulwali Passarlay, an Afghan refugee and public speaker who provided logistical support, contrasted the walkers' experience with political rhetoric: "The rightwing politicians keep saying they know the will of the people. But the will of the people we've seen has been very different."
Passarlay added: "In the last 900 miles, they've seen nothing but compassion, kindness and generosity. They raised £90,000. In just a month. They have seen more of Britain than some of these racist politicians who claim to represent the people."
Completion and Reflection
After reaching their final destination at Duncansby Head lighthouse on Wednesday, the pair returned to London on Thursday evening, where they were met by a welcome party at King's Cross station. Reflecting on their journey, Malual highlighted the fundamental values they encountered: "When we were on that journey, walking in the cold and on the road, finding these people we didn't know helping us out and supporting us, without judging us based on what we look like – that is the true value of this society."
The successful completion of their winter walk not only represents a significant fundraising achievement but also serves as a powerful testament to the compassion and generosity found within communities across the United Kingdom.
