Chapel-en-le-Frith dad runs 170 miles for Syrian refugees and High Peak Food Bank

A Chapel-en-le-Frith dad is running 170 miles around the High Peak - raising awareness of the journey made on foot by Syrian refugees to safety in Lebanon.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Charles Lawley, 32, took on the challenge in recognition of the dangerous trek undertaken by thousands of Syrians escaping civil war in the troubled middle eastern country.

Many families who attempt crossing the Anti-Lebanon Mountains during the 170-mile walk between Aleppo, Syria, and Arsal, Lebanon, freeze to death.

Father-of-two Charles is head of public relations for Manchester-based charity Syria Relief and a co-founder of the town’s COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group.

Charles Lawley is running 170 miles around the High Peak - raising awareness of the journey made on foot by Syrian refugees to safety in LebanonCharles Lawley is running 170 miles around the High Peak - raising awareness of the journey made on foot by Syrian refugees to safety in Lebanon
Charles Lawley is running 170 miles around the High Peak - raising awareness of the journey made on foot by Syrian refugees to safety in Lebanon

He has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support struggling Syrian refugees - however half of all donations will go to High Peak Foodbank to help families closer to home struggling since the pandemic began.

Charles told how he had only been running for three weeks before starting the arduous feat.

He stumbled upon the idea while gazing out of his window while in quarantine following his last trip to Lebanon during the pandemic.

Read More
Expat Buxton pensioner’s ashes finally laid to rest in her childhood High Peak h...
Charles with his two children Sam, 8, and Niamh 5Charles with his two children Sam, 8, and Niamh 5
Charles with his two children Sam, 8, and Niamh 5

The 32-year-old said: “I had to quarantine from my wife and kids in the bedroom - luckily we’ve got an en-suite - and all I had to look at was the view out the window.

“And I just thought ‘I’ll have a proper run when I can go out again’ and then I thought I might as well get something out of it other than exercise.

“We’ve been supporting High Peak Food Bank a lot during lockdown - I’m passionate about Syria but didn’t want to forget there’s people here we need to help too.”

Before lockdown began Charles would visit Syria and Lebanon once a month - supporting the charity’s schools and hospitals.

During one trip he met a woman who undertook the perilous walk with her children in December and survived.

Charles, who admits he is ‘not a natural runner’, started on September 24 and will finish on November 1 - averaging just under 5 miles a day.

At the time of writing Charles had raised nearly £750 in six days. He added: “I’m pretty happy with that - people have been really generous.”

To make a donation click HERE.

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.

Related topics: