Edward Cooke raises over £7,620 for Ukrainian charity OPORA by walking over 124 miles from Farnham to Canterbury
21 July 2026
Joined by family, friends and colleagues along the way, Edward walked over 124 miles of the Pilgrims and North Downs Way last month, raising over £7,620 so far for Ukrainian charity OPORA.
Starting at the door of our Farnham office on Saturday 13 June, Edward walked for eight days, passing through Shere, Reigate, Oxted, Wrotham, Medway, Maidstone and Ashford on his way to the finish line at the doors of Canterbury Cathedral on Saturday 20 June.
OPORA is a charity helping those fleeing the horrors of the ongoing war in Ukraine to build sustainable lives in the UK. Edward's fundraising walk from London to the South Coast for OPORA in 2023 raised over £7,500 for the charity. This year's walk has already raised £7,620, though donations can still be made via Edward's Just Giving page. In total, the sum raised across the two walks is £15,120 for OPORA.
124 miles for OPORA: supporting their vital work
OPORA is a small but transformational charity dedicated to supporting Ukrainian families in settling and sustainably rebuilding their lives in the UK, with a particular focus on mental health. With the war continuing and future still uncertain, support is needed more than ever. Edward is delighted to have raised another considerable sum to continue to support OPORA’s Mental Health Programme.
OPORA’s recent community research shows the scale and urgency of the mental health need:
| 80% | of Ukrainians experience anxiety, tension, or constant worry often or almost always |
| 60% | experience loneliness often or almost always |
| 30% | report having thoughts that life is not worth living |
Founded in February 2022 at the outbreak of the invasion of Ukraine, OPORA has already provided reliable support and information to over 35,000 Ukrainians who have come here through the Homes for Ukrainians and Family schemes. It aspires to proactively approach the problems people face so that they have the best possible chance of living safe, sustainable and fulfilling lives in the UK.
OPORA maintain a strong focus on the critical need to provide a specialist mental health ecosystem, in order to provide a service to Ukrainians across the country who have been affected by the enormous trauma of the war.
Edward commented on his recent fundraising walk:
"I knew I had set myself an ambitious challenge for my latest OPORA fundraiser, but enjoyed the walk very much, not least because I was joined by friends, colleagues and family at different stages throughout the week. Their company and support was invaluable. I arrived in Canterbury a little weary but gratefully blister free and feeling proud of raising such a healthy sum for OPORA to continue to support their vital work. Thank you to everyone who walked with me, for all the support I've received along the way and to everyone who has donated, all very much appreciated."
Anna Khyzha, Head of Operations and Engagement at OPORA, commented:
"We are incredibly grateful to Edward and everyone who has supported this amazing fundraising campaign. Thanks to your generosity, OPORA will be able to expand our mental health and wellbeing programme, helping displaced Ukrainians across the UK access expert-led wellbeing sessions, trusted information, practical resources and community support. At a time when many people continue to face uncertainty, isolation and the emotional impact of displacement, this support will make a meaningful difference to thousands of individuals and families. Thank you for standing with our community."
If you still wish to donate, please go to Edward's Just Giving Page. Thank you.
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