Thanks for taking the time to visit my fundraising page. I know that many of my friends and colleagues gave generously in support of my Pennine Way walk last year. However, this is an extremely important cause, one which I care passionately about. I am therefore participating once again and asking you to give generously in support of those who have faced such terrible hardships.
The world is experiencing the largest movement of people since the Second World War with millions of people fleeing wars in Syria and Iraq, continuing conflicts and instability in Afghanistan, in countries across Africa and Eastern Europe. Millions of people have fled their countries whilst others are internally displaced. What unites them all is the loss of much or all of what they held dear: family, friends, community, homes, personal possessions, careers and livelihoods. Many have walked miles to get away from war or to escape persecution because of their faith, their political views, race, social status, gender or profession, often with only what they could carry.
A whole generation of Syria's young people is missing out on the opportunity to fulfil their potential - to attend shools and universities. The money we raise will be used to increase the number of scholarships for refugees to study at the University of Sheffield.
The University has strong links with a number of programmes to support academics, including the Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund and the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), a charity which helps academics in immediate danger and those forced into exile. Through these partnerships, the University of Sheffield will use the funds raised to host more academics who are in danger or exile, giving them a place of safety and the financial and practical help to continue their careers until such as time as they can return home.
Starting on Sunday 12 June, I will be part of the Big Walk 2016 which will see two teams each walk over 120 miles over six days along the Trans Pennine Trail. I will be part of a team starting in Hornsea on the east coast making its way towards the meeting point of Tankersley (North of Sheffield) on Day Five. On the following final day both teams will walk the final stretch of the journey back to Sheffield together, finishing on the University campus on Friday 17 June.
Please do give generously and accept my heartfelt thanks.
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