My Story

I have a huge soft spot for Action Foundation, a wonderful charity in the north east that is all about empowering refugees to overcome exclusion.

A number of years ago I was an officer in the Royal Air Force, and spent a bit of time in Iraq. While I didn't serve in Afghanistan, I was in the military while many personnel were deployed there, and I have friends who served, were injured and were killed in both military theatres of operation.

I have done a huge amount of soul searching about my own contribution and the UK's to Iraq, Afghanistan and numerous other countries, including those directly affected by British colonialism and also those indirectly affected by our commercial and military might. I feel strongly that both should be use sparingly and for the good of everyone, and that considering the amount of turmoil Britain has caused internationally over the last couple of hundred years, the very least we can do as a country is profide asylum to the needy and persecuted. 
 

One of my main motivating factors in doing the steps challenge is to try and spread awareness of the fallacy that caring for those seeking asylum and homeless veterans is mutually exclusive. We can look after both, and the disadvantaged in our society. It starts with awareness, and kindness, and Action Foundation provide both.

My plan is to tell some stories on Instagram while I walk each day. I hope to cover some information about refugee journeys and military journeys that tie in. Some will have a personal link, others will be from research.

If you'd like to listen in I'll be putting the stories on my Instagram account @FairyCakes33

Thanks, James