We hold this 5km walk every year as a symbol of our solidarity with children and families affected by war.

The funds raised provide food parcels with all the staples a family of seven needs for a whole month. These parcels help ease the burden on families living in crisis zones, where access to basic necessities is often disrupted or completely cut off.

While many of us have the comfort of secure homes and consistent meals, there are children around the world who do not share this privilege. No child should suffer from the long-term effects of hunger. This is the unfortunate reality for many Gazan, Yemeni, Syrian, Sudanese and Lebanese children who are suffering in environments of persecution and war. Malnutrition, waterborne diseases and a lack of safe shelter are the daily dangers these children face.

Gaza:
• 96% of Gazans are dependent on humanitarian assistance.
• Over 1.9 million Gazans are food insecure.

Yemen:
• In Yemen, 80 per cent of the total population, including 12.4 million children, require humanitarian assistance. (UN)
• Half of Yemeni children under 5 years face severe acute malnutrition. (UN)

Syria:
• The price of food went up by 97% in Syria in 2021. By December 2021, food cost 97% more than it had in December 2020. (WFP)
• There are an estimated 2.8 million IDPs in north-west Syria. 80% of them are women and children.

Lebanon:
• 3,002 people killed and 13,492 injured, 185 children killed and 1,206 injured among total casualties reported
• At least 1.3 million people have been displaced; the conflict is putting more strain on an already vulnerable population

Sudan:
• Over 15,000 people killed, 11 health facilities destroyed
• 11 million people need emergency assistance