Meet Sofiia Volovyk, a Ukrainian refugee based in Swindon, who started a fundraising walk from her host town to the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis in 2022. She aimed to raise funds for a Ukrainian Aid charity Rescue Now and the Ukrainian support committee she chairs, Swindon Welcomes Ukraine. After covering 420 miles in 16 days, Sofiia had to stop due to a worsening injury and out of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She will now complete the last 180 miles and resume her walk at the beginning of the King's Coronation.

Sofiia's journey began in April 2022 when she fled to the UK from Ukraine due to safety concerns for her family. She travelled through six countries with her Mum and sister and eventually found a host in Swindon. Since then, she has supported the 370 Ukrainians now living in Swindon, secured a job working to coach Ukrainian Entrepreneurs through the Outset program, and has even created a national summit of other Ukrainian group leaders to share best practices.

Sofiia's original challenge raised over £3,000, and now she hopes to raise even more funds by completing the last leg of her journey. She will face the tough terrain of the West Highland Way and the Scottish Highlands on route to Ben Nevis and will be camping out each night on the last 11 days of the trip.

As Sofiia resumed her walk after stopping in Lockerbie for an ingrowing toenail, she felt the weight of representing the Ukrainian community in the United Kingdom. However, the morning after she received medical assistance, Queen Elizabeth II passed away, and Sofiia took it as a sign to pause her challenge and continue at a later date. She was lucky because her toe actually needed surgery, but it's all healed now, and she is raring to go.

To support Sofiia's cause, please donate and help her raise funds for a Ukrainian Charity Foundation "Dobro" and the Ukrainian support committee in Swindon, Swindon Welcomes Ukraine. Sofiia's journey is symbolic of the power of the human spirit and compassion.

To track Sofiia's progress and follow her journey online, you can use the FollowMyChallenge link.