Activist set to complete 6.5-month walk from UK to Turkey to raise funds for Palestinians

British activist Ruth Herbert is set to conclude her 6.5-month trek from the United Kingdom to Istanbul this Saturday, a journey undertaken to raise funds and awareness for Palestinians.

The 52-year-old left her home in Arnside on May 2, crossing 12 countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece before reaching Turkey. During her journey, Herbert has raised approximately 50,000 pounds for the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Herbert explained that her walk was motivated by a desire to do more for Palestinians beyond protests and letters to government officials.

"What inspired me to do this was just seeing the suffering of the Palestinians and feeling that I wanted to do something," she said. "Obviously writing to our governments and going to demonstrations in the UK is quite common, but I just felt it wasn't enough."

Herbert described the walk as both a personal and humanitarian effort, offering hope amid despair and creating opportunities to connect with supporters across Europe.

"Being outside and making movement helps you process things mentally. Watching all the horror coming out of Gaza has scarred us all, the whole of humanity, and I wanted to walk to help myself but also to help heal the Palestinians both physically and mentally," she added.

Highlighting the broader significance of her mission, Herbert emphasized collective action and the importance of sustained effort.

"Collectively, if we all do something, we create a wave," she said. "We have to hold on to hope and we have to keep fighting because any sort of resistance struggle or movement takes time."

Herbert also underlined the moral responsibility she feels toward Palestine. "I think that our humanity is tied to Palestine. How we treat Palestine affects the whole planet. We cannot let a people be wiped out and have their home taken from them while standing by idly. We have to keep fighting for justice."

Throughout her journey, Herbert said she was inspired by the generosity of people she met along the way, receiving free meals and accommodations, and gaining encouragement from countless supporters. She remains hopeful of reaching her fundraising goal as she nears Istanbul.

"I'm really pleased that I'm nearly at my goal of £50,000 that I've raised for medical aid for Palestinians, so if anybody wants to keep donating, there’ll be a link," she said.