On 3 January 2026, Former Lord Mayor and local councillor of Newcastle upon Tyne, Cllr Habib Rahman welcomed Giel Malual and John Kuei to the City as part of their inspiring Long Walk for Sudan. They were joined by human rights activists, refugee advocates, and community leaders.
During their visit the group gathered at the Civic Centre, visited the City’s Peace Garden, and – in true North East fashion – shared a Greggs cheese pasty, offering a moment of warmth and solidarity as the walkers continue their journey North in increasingly challenging winter conditions.
Cllr Rahman commended Giel and John for their courage and determination, highlighting that their walk is not only raising vital funds to help establish a school for Sudanese children displaced by conflict, but is also shining a much-needed spotlight on the wider humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the global consequences of displacement, conflict, genocide, and war.
Nearly 700 miles, The Long Walk of support for Sudanese children
Both Giel Malual and John Kuei arrived in the UK as teenagers seeking asylum after fleeing conflict in South Sudan. Their Long Walk for Sudan spans approximately 700 miles, from London to the very north of Scotland, raising awareness and funds to support education for Sudanese children living in displacement.
The Newcastle visit brought together a wide range of organisations and advocates, including Smajo Beso OBE of the Bosnian Genocide Education Trust, Mohamed Nasreldin, CEO of the North of England Refugee Service, Ruhi Akhtar, CEO and founder of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB), author Gulwali Passarlay, Mohamed Suleman of Bilal Mosque, Meru Shah, and other humanitarian leaders and activists.
Ruhi Akhtar, CEO and founder of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas, said:
“What Giel and John are doing is deeply powerful because it comes from lived experience and from the heart. This walk is not just about distance – it is about visibility, responsibility, and refusing to look away when human beings, just like you and me, are affected by war and displacement. Everyone has a role to play, and I urge people to get behind them and support this journey.”
Mohamed Nasreldin, CEO of the North of England Refugee Service, thanked the two young men for their courageous initiative and expressed gratitude on behalf of the Sudanese community, pledging continued support for their fundraising efforts. He added that their journey is not only a testament to resilience but also serves as a beacon for peace and hope in a world overshadowed by conflict; he said:
“Through this walk, Giel and John remind us that even in the darkest times, humanity can choose solidarity over division and compassion over indifference.”
Smajo Beso OBE added:
“As a survivor of genocide, it fills my heart with pride to see such an inspirational initiative. We are witnessing one of the largest displacement crises in Sudan, yet it receives very little attention in mainstream media. This walk will undoubtedly raise awareness, and I pledge to include Sudan within my education programmes going forward.”
Applause from Tyneside for two remarkable young men
Cllr Rahman urged the public to support the campaign, stating:
“Geordies have a heart of gold. I encourage everyone to get behind these two remarkable young men, support their campaign, and donate whatever they can. We applaud all those who champion good causes and wish Giel and John every success as they continue their journey.”
Supporters are encouraged to follow Giel and John’s journey and contribute to their fundraising campaign.
Please see the fundraising link, here.
