Lancaster businesswoman completes 2,500 mile walk from Arnside to Istanbul to raise £60k for Palestine aid

Istanbul welcomed her with warmth and open arms; new friends and many enthusiastic supporters treated her to the best of Turkish hospitality.

There is active and high profile support for the Palestinian people in Turkey and local organisers made sure Ruth’s incredible adventure received extensive press and TV coverage.

Driven by a simple but powerful belief that “doing something is better than doing nothing”, Ruth’s extraordinary solo journey began in Arnside in May when she walked, carrying her belongings on her back, to the south coast and on through Europe.

She has met, and overcome, multiple hazards and difficulties including crossing fields of unexploded mines, a dangerous proximity to wild dogs and close encounters with hungry bears looking for pre-hibernation food.

She has worn through three pairs of boots and struggled to find food suitable for her vegan diet.

However, most importantly, Ruth has raised an incredible £60,000 (including Gift Aid) for MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians), a British organisation providing vital medical care and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians affected by ongoing violence and displacement.

Having witnessed the beauty of the changing of seasons across Europe for more than six months, Ruth has arrived back in the UK.

After spending the weekend with her family on the south coast, she will make her way via London, Milton Keynes, Manchester and Blackburn back to Lancaster on Friday November 28.

Ruth has documented her journey online at htttps://www.instagram.com/bigtrek4palestine and https://www.facebook.com/bigtrek4palestine

Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/page/bigtrek4palestine