ZHRO Walk for Freedom 2025 - Event Report
105km Journey from Brighton Pier to Hampton Court Railway Station
Executive Summary
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) successfully completed its 2025 Walk for Freedom on 10th August 2025, covering 105 kilometres from Brighton Pier to Hampton Court Railway Station. Despite challenging terrain and forecasted hot weather conditions, a dedicated group of participants demonstrated remarkable determination and solidarity in walking for Zimbabwe's freedom, completing the arduous two-day journey that included an overnight section.
It was not just those that attended the physical event either, so many had offered their support for this 2025 'Walk for Freedom' in the preceeding weeks and months by statements, ideas, testimony and the recognition of the purpose of this event - which started as an idea in 2016.
The 105km journey as described below, really comes across as much more than just a physical challenge - it's a powerful statement of resolve from the Zimbabwean diaspora community.
Event Overview
- Preparations: A big 'thank-you' has to be made to Melody and Josephine who initiated a training programme of local walk events (see previous articles)
- Start: Brighton Pier, 6:00 AM Saturday 9th August 2025 Finish: Hampton Court Railway Station, 4:00 PM Sunday 10th August 2025
- Distance: 105 kilometres
- Duration: 34 hours (Walk continued by overnight walking)
- Participants: - first names at various stages - and recorded in the ZHRO register in full, plus mobile, e-mail and their residential locations in the UK
- Navigation Aids: OS Online - with route planned & recorded by John in addition, on the walk assisted by Moses, Henry and most effectively, Kelvin Mhlanga
Pre-Dawn Preparations
The commitment of our participants was evident from the earliest hours. While the official start time was set for 6:00 AM at Brighton Pier, Shamiso demonstrated extraordinary dedication by arriving at 5:10 AM to prepare. Even more remarkable was Ettar's journey - having taken a night bus and arriving at Brighton Bus Station by 2:20 AM, showing the lengths to which our community will go to stand for Zimbabwe's freedom. A few others had organised stay overs with friends. But most extraordinary were Moses, Daisy and Alwyn - who had made plans but were ruined by a flight cancellation - meaning an arrival into the UK on Friday in the early hours! Plus a run from Manchester Airport to Brighton!
Stage One: Brighton Pier to Devil's Dyke
The first stage proved far more strenuous than most participants had anticipated. The climb to Devil's Dyke, rising to 217 metres (712 ft) and offering views of the South Downs, The Weald, and – on a clear day – the Tower Blocks of Croydon, tested the resolve of even the most prepared walkers.
See the short video by Rashiwe as the last of the Walkers approach Devil's Dyke Click HERE
Devil's Dyke is the largest chalkland 'dry valley' in Britain and home to many associated plants and butterflies. From the stone seat, there are dramatic views north over the weald and south over the city to the sea. The area behind The Devil's Dyke pub provided a stunning 180-degree panorama across the Weald, rewarding our determined walkers with some of the finest views in East Sussex.
The artist John Constable declared this spot ‘the grandest view in the world’. Vast views over the Sussex Weald ensure Devil’s Dyke is a popular place to walk, rest and play
However, it was group motivation that truly propelled the participants forward. Despite the unexpected difficulty of the ascent, the collective determination and mutual support enabled everyone to reach this magnificent viewpoint, where the reality of their commitment to Zimbabwe's freedom was matched by the grandeur of the Sussex landscape.
See video of spontaneous drum, shaker and song on Devil's Dyke Click here to access and Click the video to start
See the ZHRO Flickr Pro site for all Walk for Freedom 2025 Photos
The Descent Challenge: Devil's Dyke to Fulking
The steep descent from Devil's Dyke to Fulking village presented a formidable challenge, particularly for participants carrying injuries. Shamiso and Josephine, both walking with knee injuries, faced an especially difficult task on the very steep slope. Their grim determination to continue exemplified the spirit of the Walk for Freedom - these women, not exiled to the UK by choice but by the callous regime holding Zimbabwe to ransom, refused to be deterred by physical pain when walking for their homeland's liberation.
Their perseverance on this treacherous descent served as an inspiration to all participants, embodying the struggles faced by Zimbabweans who have been forced from their homeland yet refuse to abandon the fight for freedom.
Cross-Country Challenge: Fulking to Henfield
From Fulking, the walkers naturally formed two distinct groups based on individual capabilities and existing injuries. The second group, including myself and Henry, provided crucial support to our determined ladies as we navigated a varied and challenging terrain. Our route took us across:
- Corn fields requiring careful navigation
- Horse corrals where we respected local farming operations
- Golf courses, maintaining awareness of ongoing play
- Vineyards showcasing the South Downs' diverse agriculture
- Eventually reaching the lower approaches to Henfield
The slower group's steady progress demonstrated that the Walk for Freedom is not about speed or athletic achievement, but about solidarity, determination, and mutual support in the cause of Zimbabwe's liberation.
Rest and Recognition: The Locomotive Pub, Henfield
Our arrival at the Locomotive pub in Henfield provided a well-deserved respite and an opportunity to reunite the two walking groups. The landlord and customers were genuinely intrigued by our ZHRO Walk for Freedom T-shirts and amazed to learn of our ultimate destination: Hampton Court, still many miles distant.
This interaction highlighted one of the secondary benefits of our walk - raising awareness of Zimbabwe's situation among the British public we encountered along our route. The surprise and respect shown by locals reinforced the significance of our endeavour.
Logistics and Support: The Vital Role of Our Drivers
The success of the Walk for Freedom was significantly enhanced by our exceptional support team. Chipo, Rose, Farai, Sarah, Shane, Fadsi, and Talia provided indispensable assistance throughout the journey:
Food and Refreshment Delivery: Sarah, Chipo, Rose, Shane, Fadsi, and Farai ensured participants remained nourished and hydrated.
Medical and Comfort Support: The team provided foot care, sock changes, and general wellness monitoring at Christ's Hospital and other strategic points.
Transportation Flexibility: The supporting drivers enabled strategic repositioning of participants, allowing some to join the walk at later stages (including the reunion point near Thames at Walton-on-Thames (KT12 1BH)).
Morale and Entertainment: Beyond practical support, the team provided crucial psychological support, maintaining spirits through what was undoubtedly a gruelling challenge.
Strategic Rest Point: Christ's Hospital
The green at Christ's Hospital served as a major logistics hub. Here, our support team provided comprehensive care - food, drinks, foot care, and general restoration. The atmosphere was one of jollity and determination, with participants reluctant to miss any portion of the walk despite growing fatigue.
The historic Christ's Hospital Railway Station, with its original platforms still visible, provided a tangible connection to the transport heritage that our walk was following via the Downs Link path.
The Night Walk Begins: Setting Out for Guildford
As daylight faded, the most challenging phase commenced. The small group embarking on the night walk to Guildford faced the second stage of the Downs Link beyond Christ's Hospital Railway Station.
Initially, Henry, Kelvin, and Moses set a blistering pace, moving to the front of the group. I must acknowledge my error in attempting to maintain their elite pace, which ultimately compromised my ability to support Rashiwe, who despite having five previous Walk for Freedom completions to her credit, deserved steady companionship rather than an exhausted walking partner.
This experience reinforced a valuable lesson for future walks: maintaining one's sustainable pace serves the group better than attempting to match faster walkers at the expense of consistency and mutual support.
Historic Stop: Bramley & Wonersh Station
Our arrival at the old Bramley & Wonersh Railway Station provided a welcome rest point and a connection to Surrey's railway heritage. When it opened on 2 October 1865, Bramley & Wonersh had only one platform, but a second was added with a passing loop in 1876. Platforms remain in situ at Bramley & Wonersh following the line's closure under the Beeching cuts, and the former station is now part of the Downs Link Path.
Waiting on this historic platform for our support vehicles (Chipo and Sarah), approximately 5km from Guildford Railway Station, I made the difficult decision to withdraw from the walking portion due to exhaustion from attempting to maintain the elite walkers' pace. However, this transition allowed me to take up vital driving duties, continuing to support Melody and Josephine, who had courageously made the walk to the Locomotive Pub in Henfield where our route picked up the Downs Link path.
Regrouping at Guildford
The reunion at Guildford Railway Station car park demonstrated the walk's flexibility and inclusive spirit. The elite group - Kelvin, Moses, and Henry - arrived approximately 20 minutes ahead, in good spirits despite the night walking. The ritual of sock changes, footware inspection, and refuelling became a crucial part of maintaining walker welfare.
Chipo and my passengers found their own morale boost through photographs at the entrance to the now-closed Guildford Railway Station, maintaining group cohesion even when not actively walking.
The coordination with Sarah and Rashiwe, who were approaching, highlighted the importance of communication and flexible support. Chipo's decision to remain behind to provide Rashiwe with hot food, fresh socks, and foot massages exemplified the level of care our community provides for one another.
Dawn at Pyrford Lock
The early dawn rendezvous at Pyrford Lock marked a turning point in the walk. Rashiwe, Moses, Henry, and Kelvin arrived in good heart, ready to continue despite the night's exertions. The self-applied foot care and sock changes had become routine, but their willingness to continue toward Walton-on-Thames along the navigation towpaths demonstrated remarkable resilience.
Strategic Decision at Walton-on-Thames
At the meeting point near Walton-on-Thames (KT12 1BH), a crucial decision was made. Josephine, Dickson, and Melody, despite their fatigue and exhaustion, chose to continue directly toward Hampton Court rather than wait for the main group. Their reasoning - to support the notion of 'Freedom' and honour those who had died for that cause in Zimbabwe - exemplified the true spirit of our walk.
For these three participants, their physical hardship and pain on that Sunday morning represented a small price to pay compared to the sacrifices made by those who have died for Zimbabwe's freedom.
The Final Push: Walton Bridge to Hampton Court
The remaining four walkers - Rashiwe, Moses, Henry, and Kelvin - arrived at the Walton-on-Thames car park at 1:26 PM on Sunday. Rashiwe and Sarah were first visible along the towpath, followed by Moses and Henry, with Kelvin beginning to struggle but determined to continue.
After their final pit stop for socks, food, and drink, they set off under Walton Bridge for the final 7 kilometres. The bridge is the sixth on the site, representing centuries of Thames crossings and connecting our modern freedom walk with the historical flow of people and commerce along Britain's most famous river.
The strategy of the earlier group proved wise - they were indeed caught up by the main group during this final stage, ensuring all seven participants could complete the walk together.
Triumphant Arrival: Hampton Court Railway Station
At 3:45 PM on Sunday, after 34 hours of walking, supporting, and demonstrating for Zimbabwe's freedom, I caught sight of the final seven participants approaching Hampton Court Railway Station. Rashiwe and her sister Sarah appeared first, followed by the rest of our determined freedom walkers.
Kelvin, despite his struggles in the final kilometres, completed the Walk for Freedom alongside his companions. The group had managed to arrive together, embodying the collective spirit that had sustained them throughout the 105-kilometre journey.
Achievements and Recognition
- Rashiwe: 6th Walk for Freedom completion - an extraordinary demonstration of sustained commitment to Zimbabwe's liberation
- Moses: 3rd completion - building on previous experience with continued dedication
- Henry and Kelvin: First completions - remarkable achievements for debut participants
- Josephine: Despite walking with two walking canes and knee injuries, completed two major stages - an inspiration to all
- Shamiso: With knee problems as well made the difficult first leg from Brighton to Henfield
- Sarah, Melody, and Dickson, Significant achievements in their portions of the walk, demonstrating that contribution is not measured purely in kilometres covered
- Genius, Victor, Elizabeth, Mellisa, Daisy, Aylwin, Ettar and Sandra: Who all contributed to the success of this, our 6th Walk for Freedom - supporting the entire ethos and the reconition of the purpose of this event.
- Patson, Mgcini, Sipilien, Thomas and many many others: Who supported this endeavour from afar with ideas, moral, social and finscal support - we thank you all collectively!
Documentation and Legacy
We have begun collating photographs and videos (191 so far) on our Flickr Pro website at: flickr.com/photos/zhro-uk/
These images will serve as a permanent record of our community's commitment to Zimbabwe's freedom and the extraordinary lengths to which Zimbabweans in the diaspora will go to maintain pressure for change in their homeland.
Conclusions
The 2025 ZHRO Walk for Freedom demonstrated several crucial principles:
- Collective Determination: Despite varying physical capabilities and existing injuries, participants supported one another to achieve a common goal.
- Flexible Support: Our logistics team enabled maximum participation through creative solutions and unwavering commitment to walker welfare.
- Symbolic Power: The 105-kilometre journey served as both a physical demonstration of commitment and a metaphor for the long journey toward Zimbabwe's freedom.
- Community Resilience: Participants who have been forced into exile by Zimbabwe's regime channeled their displacement into positive action for change.
- Historical Connection: Following historic paths and railway routes connected our modern struggle with centuries of human movement and aspiration for freedom.
The walk concluded not with physical exhaustion, but with renewed determination. Every step taken from Brighton Pier to Hampton Court Railway Station represented a step toward the day when all Zimbabweans can walk freely in their own homeland.
ZANU PF Must Go. Free Zimbabwe Now. The People Shall Govern.
Report compiled by John C Burke - but very detailed content organised by AI, Walk Organiser, Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO-UK)
For additional photographs and documentation, visit: flickr.com/photos/zhro-uk/
