Two men from Sudan who embarked on an extraordinary 900-mile walking journey across the United Kingdom have shared their surprising revelations about the true nature of British society. Giel Malual and John Kuei completed their monumental trek from Dungeness in Kent to John o'Groats in Caithness over thirty-three demanding days, all to raise vital funds for educational projects in their homeland.
A Journey Born from Humanitarian Purpose
The pair began their ambitious expedition in December of last year with the initial goal of raising £35,000 to establish a school at a Sudanese refugee camp in Chad. What started as a challenging physical endeavour quickly transformed into a profound social experience that would far exceed their financial expectations and fundamentally alter their perception of the UK.
Overcoming Apprehensions About Reception
Given the current political climate surrounding immigration and refugees, Giel Malual admitted to significant concerns about how he and his companion might be received during their lengthy journey across England and Scotland. "We hear a lot of negativity from a loud minority in this country," Giel explained. "With the political dynamic going on in the country, we thought people may have some reservations about us."
These apprehensions proved to be completely unfounded as the nation opened its doors and hearts to the walkers in ways they never anticipated.
An Overwhelming Wave of British Generosity
Rather than encountering hostility or indifference, the Sudanese fundraisers found themselves inundated with messages of support and practical assistance from communities across the UK. Their journey became a testament to British hospitality as people offered hot meals, free accommodation, and spontaneous donations.
Remarkable instances of generosity included Airbnb hosts refunding their bookings and motorists stopping their vehicles simply to chat and contribute to their cause. This consistent kindness throughout their month-long trek provided what Giel described as a "greater feeling of the impact of a loud minority" that often obscures the reality of British society.
Financial Success Beyond Expectations
The overwhelming public response translated into extraordinary fundraising success. What began as a £35,000 target for a single school has now blossomed into £90,000 raised, enabling the pair to plan multiple educational facilities instead of just one. This financial achievement stands as direct evidence of the British public's willingness to support humanitarian causes regardless of the fundraisers' origins.
Organisational Support and Emotional Highpoints
The walkers received logistical support from Asylum Speakers, an organisation dedicated to amplifying refugee voices in the UK. Their gruelling journey culminated at Duncansby Head lighthouse in Scotland, followed by a heroes' welcome upon their return to London.
Particularly moving was their reception in Edinburgh, where the local Sudanese community organised a special event to welcome the walkers. Giel described this emotional moment on Instagram, stating: "It was an emotional moment for me, I have never cried this hard in my life."
The True Value of British Society
Reflecting on their experience, Giel emphasised what he identified as the "true value" of British society: people helping others "without judging us based on what we look like." This observation challenges prevailing narratives about social division and highlights the enduring capacity for compassion within British communities.
"We have seen for ourselves there's nothing to actually fear," Giel concluded, offering a powerful counter-narrative to the anxiety often associated with current political debates about immigration and diversity. Their 900-mile journey has ultimately revealed more about the generosity of British society than they ever anticipated when they first set out from the Kent coast.
