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One of our partners, Student Action for Refugees (STAR) society group at the University of Northampton organised an exciting challenge throughout Lockdown.

The student volunteers and the young people who belong to our club decided to travel 5,345 kilometres, the distance from Northampton to Baghdad, Iraq. They did this independently and locally, keeping track of each run, walk or cycle they went on to achieve all 5,345 kilometres to Baghdad! The distance was completed in only 80 days! Between the 25th January 2021 until the 13th May.

Their aim was to keep themselves active throughout the lockdown, boosting mental wellbeing and encouraging each other to make use of the outdoors safely.  The other aim was to raise awareness of the journeys people are forced to take when they flee their home countries. For more information see ( https://www.unhcr.org/desperatejourneys/ and https://www.roads-to-refuge.com.au/journeys/journeys-crossing.html ).

The team of STAR student volunteers and our youth group members have now successfully completed the challenge and all thoroughly enjoyed it!

You can still donate here to show your support and solidarity:

goldengiving.com/secure/donation/northampton-town-of-sanctuary