Tom Harrison Land’s End to London Challenge

In aid of the British Red Cross, Alumnus Tom Harrison (1988-94) has recently undertaken the mammoth challenge of walking 263 miles from Land’s End to London without spending any money. Inspired by the current struggle of millions of Ukrainians fleeing their homes with nothing, relying purely on the kindness of strangers, Tom has made it his mission to raise funds for the British Red Cross who are doing vital work to support Ukraine. Tom is no stranger to a challenge and has previously raised funds for charity in a very unusual way by crawling the London Marathon dressed as a Gorilla!

Tom set off from Land’s End (not in his Gorilla costume this time), Ukrainian flag flying from his rucksack. With almost nothing in his possession, but with the full support of thousands, national press attention and over £2,600 worth of donations secured behind him. The challenge saw Tom enjoy stunning weather and scenery and kind offers from many strangers, offering food and accommodation in a variety of places from a pub to a summerhouse and even a yurt!

The challenge continued with similar examples of kindness from people keen to support Tom in his charitable endeavour. So much so, that by the time Tom had finished the challenge on 29 September, donations had reached a brilliant £4,800 and were still growing.

Tom described the challenge as “The most bonkers thing I have ever done” and said that arriving in Parliament Square, London, at the end of the trek felt “an enormous relief”. On the efforts of the British Red Cross and his motivation for supporting them, Tom says” The Red Cross has done such good work in Ukraine and the UK to support thousands of refugees. Their vital ongoing work inspired me to help on a suitably large scale”.

While at RGS, Tom, now a Metropolitan Police Officer, was involved in Rugby and CCF, the rigours of which “prepared him well for the challenge”. Tom remembers his days at RGS and the impact it had, saying “RGS taught me to remember what I have done, but above all, what I am going to do next”.

A huge well done to Tom on this incredible effort and achievement. If you would like to find out more about this challenge or support Tom’s fundraising efforts, you can do so here.