Ruth Herbert, a 52-year-old British activist, has successfully ended her extraordinary six-month journey on foot — walking from her home in Arnside, England, all the way to Istanbul — in order to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians. Inspired by the suffering in Gaza, Herbert traversed twelve countries, met countless people, and raised tens of thousands of pounds for her cause.
A Six-Month Walk for Humanity
Ruth Herbert set out on her journey on 2 May 2025, leaving Arnside in the north of England. Over the course of six and a half months, she walked across Europe, passing through 12 countries before reaching her final destination, Istanbul, on 15 November 2025.
Her mission was clear: to raise money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charity that supplies medical and health resources to Palestinians in need. Throughout her journey, she carried more than just her backpack — she carried hope, solidarity, and a deep sense of purpose.
Why She Did It
Herbert has spoken movingly about what inspired her to take on this physically demanding challenge. She said she was deeply affected by the suffering she saw in Gaza and felt that more needed to be done. While protests and letters to governments have their place, she believed that personal, tangible action could make a difference.
Walking, she explained, also gave her a unique way to process the pain she felt from witnessing the horrors of the conflict. She described the experience as both mentally healing for herself and an expression of solidarity with Palestinians:
“I just thought being outside and making movement helps you process things mentally … I think that our humanity is tied to Palestine and how we treat Palestine is how will affect the whole planet and the whole world and how we cannot let a people be wiped out and have their home taken from them and stand by idly and we have to keep fighting for justice, and this is why I say we need peace and justice for Palestine”
The Journey: Challenges and Encounters
Herbert’s trek was not without hardship. According to reports, she faced worn-out boots, difficult terrain, uncertain accommodation, and the emotional weight of her mission.
But she also experienced kindness from strangers: people offered her food, places to stay, and even helped carry her gear. In Montenegro, she was welcomed on national TV, and the Palestinian ambassador thanked her for her commitment.
Despite the physical toll, Herbert described the journey as an honour. She met many people along the way who supported her cause and witnessed acts of generosity that strengthened her resolve.
Fundraising Success & Final Goal
By the time she arrived in Istanbul, Herbert had raised around £50,000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
She urged others to continue supporting the cause, saying that change takes time and effort — but that every action, no matter how small, helps build a wave of solidarity.
Legacy and Impact
More than just a walk, Herbert’s journey stands as a powerful symbol: a reminder that individual actions can contribute to global causes. She expressed hope that her walk would not only bring material aid, but also draw attention to the long-term struggle for justice and peace in Palestine.
Her story has resonated with many, inspiring supporters across social media (she shares updates via her BigTrek4Palestine page).
Final word:
Ruth Herbert’s six-month journey from Arnside to Istanbul is a testament to the power of personal commitment. Her walk has raised vital funds for medical aid in Gaza, but more than that, it has sparked conversations, built bridges of solidarity, and offered a deeply human response to suffering. As she concludes this chapter, her message remains clear: in the face of injustice, we each have something we can do — however small — to stand up and make a difference.
From: Middle East monitor