Mother and son join BID’s team to Walk the Thames and #GoTheDistance for Detainees
On the 19th October BID’s team of 6 volunteers will #WalktheThames to raise money for BID’s vital work.
On the 19th October BID’s team of 6 volunteers, including mother and son Rachel and Aaron will #WalktheThames to raise money for BID’s vital work.
Organised by the London Legal Support Trust, the event encrouages people to walk or run a whole or half marathon along the banks to raise money to help vulnerable people access legal free legal advice.
Our team comprises of Elisa Smith, Rachel Knight, Amrin Shabir, Amanda Weston QC, Harleen Randeva and Dmitri Macmillen will take on the distance and are aiming to raise over £2,000 for BID’s work.
We caught up with Rachel Knight who will be taking on the challenge alongside her 14 year old son Aaron to find out what inspired them to join BID’s team.
Why did you decide to walk with BID?
“Having worked in the immigration law field for many years, I have seen first-hand the desperate position that vulnerable detainees can find themselves in and I know how important BID has been in the lives of so many.
“My work is my life and that means that my family are often forced to live it too. My children have had to understand that there are periods where I cannot be with them and appreciate the important reasons for this. They have been very supportive and have come to understand the challenges and issues with impressive maturity.”
Why do you think the issue of Immigration Detention is important?
“I think the importance of holding the government to account, is often underestimated until it impacts on people directly. The right to liberty is an incredibly important one and it is only where it is deprived, that it often becomes fully appreciated. With the rising populism of the far right, the political pressure to reduce migration in the UK and unlimited detention powers of the UK at present, there has never been a time where this issue has been more important.”
What are you looking forward to on the day?
“My son and I love to walk together and we are looking forward to spending time with each other and like-minded people. His autism and my lack of fitness, will make this a realistic challenge for us and if we get some nice views and weather along the way, it will be a real bonus!”
Immigration paralegal Dmitri Macmillan has decided to run the challenge for BID. We asked him why.
Why did you decide to join the team BID?
"I wanted to do the walk (or run!) In order to set myself a physical challenge while building up my fitness, and in doing so raising money for an invaluable cause."
Why do you think the issue of Immigration Detention is important?
"Detention in a British immigration removal centre is a desolate and terrifying experience - BID's work in empowering and supporting the individuals at the mercy of the system is a lifeline to so many, and, unfortunately, continues to be of critical importance in this day and age.
What are you looking forward to on the day?]
"Meeting and getting to know the other walkers and runners, BID staff and volunteers, as well as others undertaking the walk on the same day for other charitable organisations - as well as enjoying ourselves!"
We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you Rachel, Aaron and Dmitri and all our wonderful walkers for their hard work. If you would like to join our team it is not too late! You can sign up here. Alternatively if you would prefer to support from the side-lines you can sponsor our team here.
