REBECCA Crerar, 33, took on the role of a refugee carrying her most treasured possessions in a rucksack on a 15-mile walk to raise funds for national Refugee Week.
REBECCA Crerar, 33, took on the role of a refugee carrying her most treasured possessions in a rucksack on a 15-mile walk to raise funds for national Refugee Week.
Rebecca, who works for the Refugee Council in its Ipswich office, said: "I can't imagine what it must be like running for your life – being forced to leave behind your family, friends and your home.
"Most refugees don't get a chance to even pack a bagful of their precious objects but I now realise just how difficult a task this must be for them.
"I have filled my rucksack with some jewellery – as a refugee I might be able to exchange this for some food on my long journey to a country that could offer me sanctuary.
"I also have food – but only enough to last me a few days – sadly a lot of refugee journeys can last months.
"I have also included photographs of my family because as a refugee I may never see them again."
Rebecca was joined on the walk, organised by the Rotary Club of Felixstowe Landguard, by other staff from the Refugee Council in Ipswich as well as asylum seekers who have made the harrowing journey for real to escape from their homelands in search of a safe haven.
The group walked from Felixstowe, along the River Deben towards Woodbridge following routes within the Ancient Colneis Hundred.
Local organisers of Refugee Week, made up of statutory and voluntary sector bodies in Suffolk, are planning a festival including a world music evening with food, music and dance from around the globe, an art exhibition put together by refugee artists and an alternative World Cup featuring international refugees.
Chair of the steering committee organising the week, Fathieh Yazdi of the Refugee Council's East of England office in Ipswich, said; "Refugee Week is an opportunity for the local community to get together with asylum seekers and refugees and to celebrate the economic and cultural contribution they have made to this region over the generations."
Anyone wishing to donate funds to Refugee Week can contact Fathieh through the national website at: www.refugeeweek.org.uk
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