Manchester People Join Ruth Herbert on Day 6 of her 4000 mile Charity Walk

On Day 6 of this mammoth journey Ruth walked from Central Manchester to Buxton, Derbyshire and was accompanied by 7 people for different stretches of the 25 mile walk. On arriving in Buxton she said “Today I walked 25 miles across some of the most beautiful landscapes in Britain. I can’t tell you what a welcome sight the whirlpool bath in my lodgings was!”

Chris Roberts, a retired Professor from Manchester University, aged 70, walked 18 miles with Ruth from St Peters Square, Central Manchester to New Mills. He said “Ruth received such positive, enthusiastic responses from people along the way. Everyone we stopped and chatted to were amazed when they heard she is walking 4000 miles, on her ‘Big Trek 4 Palestine’. People are horrified by what Israel is doing in Gaza”.

Annie Hirsch from Manchester, who is a member of Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine, said “I was really pleased to meet Ruth on 7th May in central Manchester to walk just a few miles with her. She has such an incredible vision and is realising it right now. We talked about how each individual campaigner for Palestine needs to work out what we can do at this time. She is putting her feet on the ground and walking and talking. In the few miles to Longsight people stopped and asked why we were walking, people called out from their cars whilst waiting at traffic lights - all of them amazed at what she is doing, and full of admiration for her. I will be accompanying her in my head over these next six months.'

Anne Tucker said “I walked with Ruth through Manchester City centre, past the university and into Rusholme – the curry mile. Lovely weather and people were intrigued and interested”.

People she met along the way were amazed at what she is doing, including Vinnie Fennessy, who said “Great to meet you yesterday Ruth as you were walking past my boat on the Peak Forest Canal – so inspiring what you are doing and it was humbling and a privilege to chat with you”.

Ruth set off from her home in Arnside, South Cumbria, on Fri 2nd May. She said “I’ve been completely blown away by the level of support I’ve received during this first week of my walk. Thankyou to everyone who has walked with me, and to everyone who has donated. Its incredible to have already raised over £10,000. I hope to raise lots more along my route”.

On arriving in Hartington, Derbyshire, at the end of Day 7 she said “I have walked 120 miles in the first week of my ‘Big Trek 4 Palestine’. The week has been filled with kindness and enthusiasm and I’ve met the most delightful people, and such a mix of people. Its been a week of positivity, but also a time for people to reflect on how they feel about what is happening in Gaza, and to talk about their grief. Thankyou to everyone who has supported me. Lets make a difference and bring hope to the world by our actions”.

Ruth continues South and will arrive in Dover on Fri 23rd May, Day 22 of her walk. And after reaching mainland Europe she will walk through a further 10 countries to complete her 4000 mile walk.

You can support her fundraising efforts here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bigtrek4palestine

To follow Ruths progress over the next 6 months you can find her on Facebook and Instagram @bigtrek4palestine