Arnside to Istanbul: Woman raises over £63k for Palestine

Ms Herbert's welcome at Arnside Pier <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
Ms Herbert's welcome at Arnside Pier (Image: Supplied)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A long distance walker has completed a 2,444-mile trek from Arnside to Istanbul, raising more than £63,000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).

Ruth Herbert, who began her long-distance trek on May 2, took six-and-a-half months to complete the walk.

During the walk, she faced challenges including wildfires, extreme heat, wild animals and walking through regions with unexploded landmines.

Ruth Herbert (Image: Supplied)

Ms Herbert said: "I’ve received such wonderful welcomes since returning to the UK.

"It's incredible and overwhelming.

"I received so much kindness all along my journey."

Supporters greeted her as she stopped in cities including London, Milton Keynes, Manchester, Blackburn and Lancaster on her return.

Ruth Herbert took six-and-a-half months to complete the trek (Image: Supplied)

Ms Herbert said: "It has been an incredible privilege to have done the Big Trek 4 Palestine.

"The work of MAP is needed more than ever.

"Please keep donating."

MAP, the charity she walked for, is a UK-based organisation that has worked in Gaza for more than 40 years.

Around 20 supporters greeted Ms Herbert at Arnside Pier, where her journey began.

Leila Grieves from Arnside said: "It was so lovely to welcome Ruth back to Arnside 7 months after she set off from the pier on her epic journey.

"Ruth saw the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank and took action.

"We have some amazing people in Arnside but she is definitely one of the best."

Diane Woods from Grange said: "Ruth succeeded in her goal to walk from Arnside to Istanbul to raise money for MAP – Medical Aid for Palestinians.

"As a woman walking mostly alone she has shown bravery and courage – to inspire others and in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

"It has been a joy to follow her journey and about the kindness of strangers across borders, languages and cultures.

"I look forward to hearing more about her journey."

Ms Herbert documented her trek through video diaries on social media.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos