ZHRO Drone Video

From August 2016 to July 2017 ZHRO members Rashiwe Bayisayi and John Burke set about finding a practical walking route from Brighton to London. Some 100 miles of walking later; By utilising the old railway route, now called the Downs Link, that took us all the way to Guildford. From Guildford the River routes allowed us to get to Kempton Park and latterly Hampton Court. We have now completed 5 such walks 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 [these last two during "Lockdown"!]. We are now preparing for 2022 on 13-14th August [Full Moon (again) to aid the night section] and see preparation articles due soon and our Facebook Page too

Christ's Hospital 29th Aug 2020

"Walk for Freedom" How it worked out over the weekend

 
Four Zimbabwean Diasporans, who are members of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO), have successfully completed the ZHRO VISION 2020, "Walk for Freedom" and for #ZimbabweanLivesMatter, which started at day break, on Saturday the 29th of August 2020 at Brighton Pier, U.K. and ended over 29hrs later, at around noon some 100km distant on Sunday, 30th August 2020 at Hampton Court Train Station in London.  4 (four) Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) members completed the whole journey on foot - walking throughout the night.
 
The Walk for Freedom is a peaceful 'protest' walk that is used by ZHRO, to raise awareness to the British public of the plight of Zimbabweans, who are suffering under the brutal rule of the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) Political Party.  
 
The Walk For Freedom was the Idea of Rashiwe Bayisayi, who has this year successfully completed her fourth walk.  Ben Tsikwa, Siplilen Birani, and Temba Ncube became the first male ZHRO members ever, to successfully complete the whole walk from Brighton to London.
 
Rashiwe Bayisayi, Sarah Bayisayi, Chipo Parirenyatwa, John Burke, Ben Tsikwa, Siplilen Birani, Hillary Chikomba, Temba Ncube, Thenjiwe Ncube and Silvanos Mudzvova all took part in the walk, with those previously mentioned above having successfully completed the walk.
 
“Temba Ncube did so much extra during the walk.  He took it upon himself to hand out flyers during the walk.  He did so after talking to people about the Human Rights Abuses in Zimbabwe and about the fact that we were walking to Hampton Court in London from Brighton Pier,” said John Burke who along with Rashiwe Bayisayi mapped out the entire route some 4 years ago.
 
“Zimbabweans are still suffering both in Zimbabwe and in the Diaspora.  So we’ve got a road to go,” said Rashiwe Bayisayi last year when being interviewed.  Parts of the ZHRO Vision 2020 walk are on ZHRO Facebook Live and more interviews are planned with those that completed the walk.
 
We must also make a mention about the two ladies that turned up to support the Walkers on their journey. At both Cranliegh and Guildford was Gertrude Mutikane, and also at Guildford was Mavis Harrision. Thanks to both these ladies.
 
A huge thank you goes to all who took part in the ZHRO Vision 2020 Walk For Freedom.  A huge congratulations goes to the brave Freedom fighters who completed this year's walk a feat of mental and physical endurance.  
 
Planning has already started for the ZHRO 2021 walk for freedom.  The plans will only be cancelled when Human Rights are restored in Zimbabwe.
 

By ZHRO Team

UPDATE for 2021

2021 Walk for Freedom has been set on the 21-22nd August 2021 and will coincide with a FULL MOON, with luck and without any cloud, this will help to navigate the night section of this walk.

ZHRO's Walk for Freedom and with the hashtag #ZimbabweanLivesMatter currently trending we are appealing for Zimbabweans and their friends in the diaspora to support this annual event.

Having had so many freedoms denied in Zimbabwe in 2017-20, this is particularly relevant, especially with the abduction in Zimbabwe of the three MDC Youth Leaders [Zimbabwe Updates.], The arrests of Hopewell, Jacob Ngarivhume and others on "made-up" charges. Then there are the fake 'lockdowns' to both intimidate and imprison. In addition, More arrests occuring now.

For our "Walk for Freedom" in a unique video; See PROMO WALK DRONE VIDEO AS WELL

Please register on the Walk Facebook Platform your Interests and updates CLICK HERE

Walk Training Will Start 

In preparation for the main effort starting on Saturday 21st August 2021. Arrive there around TBA in order for a prompt TBA start. The route takes us to Hampton Court Rail Station.

For practice a small band walked from Devil's Dyke [Near Brighton] to Henfield, 11th August 2020, A short stretch of the actual route. However in walking back to their home this took over 30km and 9 hours in the baking heat of the South Coast! We will communicate a series of training walks up until Novembers then again from March 2021

Walk Route

Very much as 2017/18/19 and 2020. Brighton Pier to Devil's Dyke. [see photo at top of Devil's Dyke and 2020 Walk for Freedom Flickr pages ] Dropping down to Henfield and the Downs Link. Then onto Christ's Hospital [Rail station] just a short walk from the rendezvous location on the Downs Link. The long slog to Guildford [railway station meet], fianlly the night walk along the River Wey Navigation and, this year, into Hampton Court [Rail Station], London.

QR Code fopr Donations Confirmation of Dates and Meet Locations

PROVISIONALY  AS 21st AUGUST 2021 - as we are considering a much later start to coincide with the FULL MOON past Henfield on the straightforward Downs Link

Training walks need to be organsied and completed as soon as practicable. John Burke has managed to do a few 30km Walks even during the Lockdown, as the South Downs north of Worthing and Brighton is infrequently visited. Therefore with reasonable "Social Distancing" [the WHO recommentd 1 metre Social Distancing - Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and others  --its only the UK Government who think that they should "add a bit" {as we are all to stupid to cope}].

The 2021 walk now named " Walk for Freedom - ZIMBABWE" and in conjunction with #ZimbabweanLivesMatter, as in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 will start at TBAm on Saturday the 21st AUGUST 2021 at Brighton Pier, and will finish by [very approximately] TBA Sunday 22nd AUGUST 2021 outside Hampton Court Railway Station - the Car Park at the front.


Stage 1: Brighton - Christ's Hospital Rail Station; Estimated time 8 hours 30 minutes, Distance 37KM [23.0 miles] Challenging. Rest at the Station Car Park, Helpers here from TBASaturday. Take 20-30 minutes rest.
Stage 2: Christ's Hospital - Guildford Rail Station; Estimated time 7 hours 30mins, Distance 29km [18.2 miles] Moderate. Rest at Station Car Park, Helpers here from TBA. Take Rest break here 30 mins max.
Stage 3: Guildford - Hampton Court Rail Station Estimated time 9-10 hours, [Night time] Distance 34km [21.2 miles] Challenging. Arrival approx TBA. Helpers to ensure walkers are all accounted for!

Maps: Stage 1 Click Here to Access OS online Map

Maps: Stage 2 Click Here to Access OS online Map

Maps: Stage 3 Click Here to Access OS online Map

 

Do NOT wear a MASK for any strenuous exercise. See next:Waypoints 2021

For any of the walkers taking part DO NOT CONSIDER WEARING A MASK!! The restrictions in oxygen absorption and the failure to expel sufficient Carbon Dioxide will severely affect your health - and you are likely to collapse, and need medical attention!
 

Being outside is excellent for improved Vitamin D production which in turn will improve your immune system. Plus the countryside is so beautiful - and may remind some of you of your home in Zimbabwe!