Night spent at Shropshire survival camp for refugee fundraiser
Intrepid volunteers spent the night at a survival camp in Shropshire to highlight the plight of refugees this winter.
More than 50 people spent the night sleeping at the Pioneer Centre, near Cleobury Mortimer, and eating the kind of rations handed out to refugees.
The participants had to walk six miles and go through regular checkpoints as part of the initiative. Organisers said they hope the experience will help people understand the daily routines of refugees.
Zeshaan Ali, fundraising manager for Islamic Relief, which organised the camp, said it was a difficult experience but hopes the event will lead to lasting benefits for refugees. He added: "It all started on Saturday when a coach-load of people arrived in Shropshire and had to register like refugees do. After lunch we went on a six-mile walk which had four checkpoints. At each checkpoint we were interrogated.
"When we came back we were really tired and cold. We were outside in the cold and the rain from about 1pm until 10pm."
Islamic Relief's appeal aims to raise over half a million pounds to meet refugees' winter needs in six weeks, including over £40,000 throug 'survival camps'. The camp in Shropshire was one of three across the UK that was held at the weekend.
