A 140-MILE walk from Bethlehem to Egypt in Wales to raise awareness of the struggles facing refugees has raised £10,000, it has been announced.

The walk, organised by Christian Aid Wales, saw participants set off from Bethlehem in Carmarthenshire on Sunday, 4 December, before they arrived in Yr Aifft, which is Welsh for Egypt, on Thursday, 15 December.

While the walk mimicked the Biblical Christmas story of Jesus’s family’s journey, it was also aimed to show the difficulties being faced by current refugees who have been forced to flee their homes.

The route took walkers through Lampeter, Blaenpennal, Aberystwyth and Ynyslas, before a sea crossing to Aberdyfi was followed by the walk continuing to the Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth, Brithdir, Llanuwchllyn and Bala.

Huw Thomas, the Head of Christian Aid Wales, said a core group of five people who walked the entire route were joined by hundreds of other walkers to raise awareness.

He said: “We planned this journey to walk in solidarity with those who are suffering and to raise support for Christian Aid’s work that offers a brighter future for many lives worldwide.

“Along the way we have shared stories with communities, churches and schools that offer a glimpse into the desperate situations faced by so many and had the privilege to share about the transformational work Christian Aid does to bring light and hope."

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