This year’s UK fundraising walk has so far raised almost £1,000 towards HIV/ AIDS test kits that will be used in Nigeria during the second half of the year.

Twelve people joined us for our fundraising walk in June, including two visitors all the way from Auckland, New Zealand. We met at Rykas Café at the bottom of Box Hill for a nourishing breakfast before we set off.

The first part of our walk was flat through water meadows alongside the Mole River, calmly flowing on the day. The famous stepping stones were blocked off as one had been dislodged during recent floods.

Our steep climb then began up the 297 steps to the top of Box Hill and a panoramic view from the top and a chance to get our breaths back. This was followed by a more leisurely stroll through woods downwards to the bottom of the hill.

Here we were met by even steeper steps, tall and uneven, up to Mickleham Downs. By the tops our hearts were pumping and breathing heavy. The difficult parts were over, from now on we were walking downhill through forests with occasional short climbs here and there.

Lunch was in the delightful King William IV pub cascading down the hillside into the village of Mickleham. We sat outside enjoying excellent sandwiches and salads on a sunny day in a garden divided into rooms with hedges and flowering plants.

After an hours rest we were ready for the final walk back along the River Mole to Ryka’s café and a well-deserved afternoon tea.

Thank you Judy, Mike, Ebun, Julaine, Kay, Sarah and Isabelle for joining our UK trustees in fundraising for HIV/AIDS test kits for the remainder of 2019.

There is still time to support their fundraising efforts, either by giving online at https://www.goldengiving.com/wall/grace-and-light or posting a cheque to Grace & Light UK, 8 Kingswood Drive, Upper Norwood, London SE19 1UR.