sun, snow, and a Brexit birthday blow!

Blog 4

By Debra Brunner

Last week, I notched up another 14 training miles—and all is going well! The weather’s been kind, unusually bright and sunny for April (what a bonus!). Honestly, I thought I’d be trudging through April showers by now, but clearly someone up there is smiling on our mission.

That being said, I was supposed to be stepping out somewhere a little more exotic this weekend. Sunday was meant to be my first walk… in Crete! Yes, olive groves, coastal breezes, sun-drenched paths—what could be better? I had been looking forward to this family getaway for months, working tirelessly to get everything sorted on the work front so I could properly switch off for a few days. I packed my suitcase on Friday, buzzing with anticipation.

One dilemma: the trainers. Do I risk packing them in the hold? What if my suitcase disappears? How would I keep up my training?! Not a risk I was willing to take. So, carefully wrapped, my faithful trainers made it into my carry-on.

Early Saturday morning, I headed to the airport, brimming with excitement. A special trip, planned in honour of my birthday, with the people I love. Until… I was stopped at the check-in desk. My passport, they said, was not valid for travel to the EU. I blinked in disbelief. It didn’t expire until January 2026! I had 9 months of validity left—what was the problem?

Ah. Brexit.

Turns out, there’s a rule that your passport must be less than 10 years from the date of issue to enter the EU—even if it hasn’t yet expired. Mine was issued in January 2015. Ten years, no-go. I had no idea. And I’m not alone—apparently people are being turned away from airports every day over this. So please—share this blog far and wide so no one else gets caught out!

So, my family flew to Crete, and I… went home. A bit deflated, naturally. The trip was for me, the destination was my choice, and it wasn’t meant to end like that.

But walk I must. And walk I did.

Instead of pacing past Cretan olive trees, I walked a six-mile training loop along the Grand Union Canal in Hertfordshire. The weather was glorious, and the boats, birds, and tranquil water lifted my spirits. Crete will still be there. And our mission—our memorial—marches on.

While I was pounding the canal paths, Artur Livshyts—co-founder of The Together Plan, our Country Director in Belarus, and fellow walking team member—was training too. But while I had sunshine, he had… snow! Yes, a full-on April snowfall in Minsk. That’s dedication. That’s commitment.

Click here to see Artur in action and here to see him training in his short sleeved t-shirt in the snow!

So here we are: one of us snowed under, the other grounded by Brexit—but both of us walking, and focused on the finish line. We are raising the final funds to complete the Brest-Litovsk Jewish Cemetery Memorial, due for completion this summer.

Every step brings us closer.

Please support our efforts as we walk towards marathon day on June 8th. The memory of a lost community is calling, and we’re walking to answer.

With love, miles, and maybe a passport renewal,

Debra

Well that’s week 3 done—so 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 4!

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

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, Cockfo

Click here to read blog #5