An 86-year-old woman has raised thousands of pounds for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine after walking over 150km.
Naomi Bustard walked over 150km around the Hillsborough area in an effort to support the Habitat for Humanity appeal which is supporting refugees who have been displaced by the war.
The grandmother wanted to do something to help those who had been affected and walked 5km every day during the period of Lent, raising over £8,550.
Read more: 85-year-old Co Down woman walking 5K a day to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees
Naomi finished her fundraising efforts on Easter Monday, which also conincided with her 86th birthday.
She was joined by family and friends at Hillsborough Castle as she completed her final 5km and thanked everyone for the support she has received.
Naomi said: “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the people I met on my walks around Hillsborough, and from others who donated because they heard about my walking to support Habitat's response to war in Ukraine."
Naomi had raised a lot of her funds while she was doing her daily walks, saying that she would ask everyone that she passed to donate to the campaign, with almost nobody refusing to do so.
Some people who didn't have the money at the time met her later in the day in order to ensure they were able to donate.
Since the conflict began, UNHCR estimates that almost 5 million people have fled from Ukraine to neighbouring countries with nothing but the clothes on their back and anything that they could carry with them. Without a home to go to, many people are sheltering in tents at the borders of neighbouring countries.
As an organisation that builds homes, communities and hope, Habitat for Humanity, joins with the global community, in calling for an end to the violence that threatens all three.
Habitat for Humanity National Offices in Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia are supporting refugees fleeing Ukraine to find safety and shelter. This includes immediate emergency support in border camps and the longer term shelter needs in host communities.
If Naomi has inspired you to start your own fundraiser and support Habitat’s response, create your fundraising page now: habitatni.enthuse.com/cf/warinukraine or donate on Habitat’s website: habitatni.co.uk/ukraine
You can still donate to Naomi’s fundraiser here: habitatni.enthuse.com/pf/naomi-bustard
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