Giel Malual and his friend John Kuei, both from Sudan, have successfully completed a remarkable 900-mile walk across the United Kingdom to raise funds for schools serving displaced children from their homeland. What began as a goal to raise £35,000 has exceeded all expectations, with the pair raising nearly £90,000 and now planning to build multiple schools for Sudanese refugee children in camps in Chad.
Setting out from Dungeness in Kent on 19 December, the duo undertook the challenge over 33 days, walking the full length of the UK from the southern coast to John o’Groats in Scotland. They deliberately chose to complete the trek during the coldest weeks of the year to make the journey even more challenging. Among the toughest moments was a grueling 16-hour walk crossing the border into Scotland from Otterburn to Galashiels, often in freezing conditions and heavy snow.
Throughout the journey, Malual and Kuei were met with overwhelming support from communities across the country. Local residents opened their homes, offered hot meals, and provided free accommodation, while Airbnb hosts not only refunded them but also contributed to the fundraising effort. Strangers on the street frequently stopped to chat and donate, demonstrating widespread generosity and solidarity.
“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,” Malual said. Reflecting on the political climate and negative rhetoric that they had anticipated, he added, “We hear a lot of negativity from a loud minority in this country. But we have been accommodated by people from all cultures, races and backgrounds. There’s nothing to actually fear.”
Malual, who arrived in the UK from South Sudan at the age of 16, said the experience has strengthened his faith in the generosity and inclusiveness of the British public. The funds raised now allow the pair to expand their original vision, aiming not just to open a single school, but to develop several educational facilities that will provide displaced Sudanese children with opportunities for learning and safety.
The UK walk has also drawn attention to the broader plight of Sudanese refugees in Chad, highlighting the need for educational infrastructure, safe learning environments, and humanitarian support. With nearly £90,000 raised, Malual and Kuei’s campaign exemplifies how individual initiative, perseverance, and community support can make a tangible difference for vulnerable populations.
Their journey serves as both a testament to human resilience and a powerful example of cross-cultural solidarity, demonstrating that even in the coldest and most challenging conditions, compassion and generosity can shine through.
Leave a comment