Leeds duo trek 180 miles to Paris in aid of charity

A pair of friends from Leeds have trekked from London to Paris to raise vital funds for charity.

Joanne Brook-Smith, 36, and Sam Johnson, 25, walked a total of 180 miles over eight days.

The duo travelled from Trafalgar Square in Central London, through the British countryside to the coast at Newhaven.

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From there, they crossed the English Channel via ferry to Dieppe.

The rest of their time was spent trailing through the countryside of Northern France, before arriving at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris last Saturday night.

The two were completely unguided for the trip and relied on research, maps, road signs and compasses to find their way to Paris.

“This journey was both physically and mentally challenging for us both,” said Joanne.

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“We pushed ourselves to walk roughly eight marathons over eight days, in unfamiliar territory and through unpredictable conditions.

“While we understand a lot of people often get hit up for charity, any donation big or small anyone can make would mean the world to us.”

The pair have so far reached three-quarters of their £5,000 total.

Joanne is no stranger to raising money for good causes, and has worked with Anthony Nolan in honour of her brother Oliver, who sadly lost his life to leukaemia last year.

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Sam meanwhile is raising money for Alzheimer’s Society, after discovering first hand how dementia destroys the life of not only those diagnosed, but those around them become full-time carers for their loved ones.

To donate, visit bit.ly/2aQWKTA.