We, a group of British Tamils, preparing to raise funds by walking again from Birmingham to London on 02nd November under the banner "Heart2Heart". Funds raised will benefit the British Charity "Help for Heroes", and an Orphanage "Serendip Children's Home" in Sri Lanka. Many of us migrated to the UK from Sri Lanka and enjoy freedom and prosperity here, which was, and still is, denied to Tamils in Sri Lanka. As a result, we wanted to do something in return for Britain, and show our gratitude especially to those soldiers who fought bravely and sacrificed their lives for the freedom that we enjoy here today.
We chose the orphanage "Serendip Children’s Home" in Sri Lanka because children had no part in the ethnic conflict in that country, but yet were made victims. The month of November is a month in which to remember our Heroes, and the day we begin our Charity Walk, 02nd November, is "All Soul's Day", when we always pay tribute and remember the dead. We wanted to contribute and be part of the great tradition of remembering and honouring our "War Hero" service men and women. It is for this reason that "Help for Heroes" was chosen by us as a beneficiary.
We hope our Walk will encourage different communities to come together, putting aside any differences and barriers. This is the second year, and we hope to raise sufficient funds as last year. This 6-day walk is just the beginning to create awareness, and to remind our younger generation of the sacrifices made by many, so that we can enjoy liberty and freedom today in the UK.
We were met with enthusiasm and support all along our Walk last year. Some were in tears to see the Tamil Community raising funds for our injured soldiers. We brought reconciliation, healing and goodwill to many in the community by undertaking this Charity Walk. This Walk has given us tremendous encouragement and energy to continue, as we find such events can bring communities together and unite us under one common flag.
We named the charity walk "Heart2Heart" because it is from our heart that we say 'thank you' to the British public.
