Sudanese Friends Walk 900 Miles to Raise £90,000 for Schools

Two Sudanese friends, Giel Malual and John Kuei, completed an extraordinary 900-mile walk across the UK to raise funds for a school for displaced children from Sudan. Starting on December 19, 2023, the pair trekked from Dungeness in Kent to John o’Groats in Scotland over the course of 33 days, facing challenging winter conditions. Their initial goal was to raise £35,000, but they have since surpassed that target, collecting nearly £90,000 for their cause.

As the duo journeyed through the harsh winter weather, they received an outpouring of support from the British public. “All the houses that we slept in, all the warmth and support, the cheers and encouragement have been overwhelming,” Malual remarked. Their experience included numerous offers of hot meals and free accommodations along the route. Many Airbnb hosts not only refunded their stays but also contributed to their fundraising efforts.

Overcoming Challenges and Misconceptions

Malual, who arrived in the UK from South Sudan at the age of 16, expressed surprise at the kindness they encountered. “We hear a lot of negativity from a loud minority in this country,” he stated. “But we have been accommodated by people from all cultures, races, and backgrounds.” Despite the current political climate in the UK, which often portrays refugees in a negative light, the duo’s experiences showcased a more compassionate side of British society.

One particularly tough segment of their trek was the 16-hour journey from Otterburn to Galashiels, where they braved temperatures as low as -5C (23F). Malual explained that undertaking the walk in winter was intended to raise awareness of the daily struggles faced by those in Sudan, particularly the challenges of seeking safety.

The pair partnered with Asylum Speakers, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of refugees in the UK. Public speaker and Afghan refugee Gulwali Passarlay, who assisted with logistics, highlighted the contrast between the duo’s experiences and the narratives pushed by some political figures. He noted, “In the last 900 miles, they’ve seen nothing but compassion, kindness, and generosity.”

Celebration and Reflection

Upon reaching their endpoint at Duncansby Head lighthouse on January 24, 2024, Malual and Kuei returned to London to a warm welcome at King’s Cross station. Friends and supporters gathered to congratulate them on their remarkable achievement.

Reflecting on their journey, Malual shared, “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.” Their walk not only raised vital funds for education but also served as a testament to the generosity and kindness that can exist among communities, countering the often divisive narratives that dominate public discourse.