A MAN from Llanelli plans to handcycle 22 miles in June, to raise money and awareness for refugees and the life-risking journeys many take.
Llanelli resident Davey Hampton, 31, has set himself the goal of covering 22 miles as part of the British Red Cross’ Miles for Refugees challenge, which is the equivalent of a journey across the English Channel.
As people from Ukraine, and around the world, are forced to flee their homes, Davey and others across Wales will be racking up mileage this June to highlight the harrowing journeys many refugees are forced to make in search of safety.
Davey, who works as the assistant shop manager at the British Red Cross shop in Carmarthen, says that he is taking part in the challenge for very personal reasons. He said:
“I’d read about how the Red Cross in Ukraine had helped with the evacuation of civilians, including disabled people. As a wheelchair user myself I couldn’t help but think, “what if that had been me?”
I’ve chosen the 22mile challenge, but if I get that done too soon I think I’ll extend it to a longer distance. I’ll be using my handcycle mainly, which is a great way for disabled people to exercise.”
The money raised will go towards the charity’s work supporting refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK.
With more than 6 million people forced to leave their homes in Ukraine this year, and ongoing crises in Syria and Afghanistan and around the world, standing with refugees is more important than ever.
Davey said: “I would encourage anyone to join the challenge. There’s a range of distances for you to cover and you’ve got the whole month of June to complete it. It’s going to give me that extra bit of motivation I need to get out and exercise. Of course, you’ll be supporting a great cause at the same time!”
British Red Cross teams are supporting people from Ukraine arriving in Wales and throughout the UK.
Staff and volunteers are providing psychosocial and practical support through things like food, water, hygiene items, nappies, a hot cup or tea or coffee, and essentials to help people keep in touch, like SIM cards, mobile phones and chargers, a welcome pack with essential information available in English, Ukrainian and Russian, about life in the UK, and one-off cash sum, provided via a debit card, to help people buy what they need when they arrive. The charity is also providing people with mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, when they need them.
Alex Fraser, Director of Refugee Support & Restoring Family Links for the British Red Cross, said: “People who have had to leave their countries due to war, persecution, extreme famine or devastating natural disasters have experienced the worst things in life. We have seen just how heart-breaking these journeys have been for families arriving in the UK.
“The British Red Cross has been calling for a kinder, more compassionate asylum system to support people who have been forced to leave their home behind and take dangerous journeys. We believe every refugee matters.
“A wave of people in the UK clearly care about people seeking refuge and asylum in the UK. Remarkably, we are seeing so many eager to help personally. By taking part in Miles for Refugees this June, you are showing the very best of humankind.”
To download the Spotify playlist created by some of the nation’s most loved celebrities in support of refugees, visit https://www.redcross.org.uk/celebplaylist or https://spoti.fi/3ahcrWd
To sponsor Davey visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/daveys-miles-for-refugees-22-mile-challenge
To sign up for Miles for Refugees visit https://miles.redcross.org.uk/takepart
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