stepping closer to the Brest Memorial

By Debra Brunner

Blog – number 3

Another week of training completed, and I’m delighted to report that the weather was kind to me throughout all three of my walks.

The first walk of the week was a four-miler, and I had the great company of Alfie Grace, an AI specialist at Projekt Rising. Alfie is a fellow member of my BNI business networking group, and Projekt Rising is one of our incredible sponsors for the Stepping Out Together campaign. Even more exciting, Alfie will be walking the marathon with me on June 8th! We turned this training session into a walking 121, making the most of our time together.

As we powered up the hill, Alfie asked me about The Together Plan—how it came to life, the impact it has had, and, of course, the long and challenging journey we have been on to bring the Brest Memorial to completion. It was wonderful to reflect on how far we’ve come and to share the vision of what this memorial means to the Jewish community in Belarus. In return, Alfie spoke passionately about AI, his journey into the field, and how Projekt Rising is revolutionizing the way businesses use AI to streamline operations. Their technology enables companies to unlock bespoke shortcuts, reducing time spent on labour-intensive tasks and allowing more focus on sales, productivity, and profitability. It was truly fascinating!

When we returned to The Together Plan HQ, Alfie gave me a glimpse into the power of AI over a well-earned cup of fresh coffee. I was absolutely blown away by what he showed me! Everyone should be talking to Alfie—he could genuinely change your life!

Thursday’s walk didn’t go quite as planned. The day just ran away from me, I was just so busy, and by the time I found a moment for my four-mile training walk, the sun was already setting. I set off as the light faded, completing most of my walk in the early evening darkness. Thankfully, the rain held off, and I managed to finish the walk in just over an hour.

For my final training session of the week, I pushed to the next level and did my first five-mile walk, clocking in at an hour and twenty minutes. My walk took me through the leafy verdant surrounds of Hertfordshire, with the abundance of spring everywhere – daffodils, blossom bursting from the tree branches and the promise of longer days. And as I walked, I spotted a house frontage that reminded me of the now long gone definitive facade of the Great Choral Synagogue in Minsk. Except with careful scrutiny, you can find a hint of the original synagogue with the moorish brickwork still there in plain sight when you walk down the side of the building. It’s amazing the connections you can make in your mind as you walk and observe your surroundings but what I can say is that with each step, I feel more prepared and more determined to complete this marathon and raise vital funds for the Brest Memorial.

Well that’s week 2 done—many more miles to go! Thank you to everyone supporting this journey. Your encouragement keeps me going, and I can’t wait to share more updates soon. Onward to Week 3!

To join the campaign and register to walk – (you choose your distance, route and date between April 18^th and June 8th) click here

If you are in the USA – register to walk here

To make a donation – click here

To make a donation in the USA – click here

If you missed the beginning of my blogging journey – you can read blog 1 here and blog 2 here.

with special thanks to our ‘stepping out together’ walkathon sponsors –  I will be very happy to introduce you directly

• Houseman Properties – Family-run estate and letting agents, North London.
• Projekt Rising – Customized artificial intelligence solutions.
• Evertex Linens – Specialists in table linens, accessories, and printed textiles for events.
• Walfinch East Barnet – In-home care for independent living.
• Athletic Development Club – Personal training centre, Cockfosters

Click here for blog #4