Veteran Shipping Journalist To Hike 200 Miles ‘Sea-To-Sea’ To Raise Funds For Seafarers
Veteran delivery and also logistics reporter and also podcaster Mike King is wishing to increase $15,000 for a global seafarers’ well-being charity by treking 200 miles ‘Sea-to-Sea’ inJune The developer and also host of The Loadstar Podcast, and also factor to several delivery and also logistics magazines over the last 20+ years, Mike will certainly stroll the historical ‘Offa’ s Dyke’, from the Severn Estuary in South Wales to the Irish Sea shore in north Wales.
Starting this June, the trip will certainly take control of 10 days to finish. He will certainly be strolling in behalf of UK-based charity the International Seafarers’ Welfare and also Assistance Network (ISWAN), which has actually helped virtually 12,000 seafarers and also their households and also granted straight gives completing over $140,000.
Mike was encouraged to increase cash for seafarers after seeing them dealt with so inadequately throughout the Covid -19 pandemic when numerous were stuck on ships for as long.
“I thought the treatment of these crews was abhorrent to be absolutely honest,” he said. “So many were stuck onboard ships for longer than a year and, really, hardly anybody outside the industry cared. Then they couldn’ t obtain injections so they still could not return residence. It’s a shame when these are individuals that transfer all the power and also food on which most of us depend. And all the high-ends we do not actually require however bought anyhow throughout lockdowns.
“And now we’ve got the war in Ukraine which has trapped hundreds more seafarers in the Black Sea. Again, they are the forgotten victims,” he claimed. “I’m hoping some of the ship owners and managers or other people in the logistics world I’ve interviewed over the years might help support this fundraiser.”
ISWAN was picked as the assigned charity after King asked several of his most relied on delivery calls and also journalism associates for suggestions.
“The message I received back was they are the best out there,” he claimed. “They provide brilliant helplines for seafarers. Some of the funds will also go towards ISWAN’s Ukraine Crisis Support Fund [www.seafarerswelfare.org/relief-funds/ukraine-crisis-support-fund] which gives small grants to seafarers and their families of any nationality who have been impacted by the Ukraine crisis and need immediate and urgent financial support.”
Simon Grainge, ISWAN’s Chief Executive, claimed: “We are very grateful to Mike for choosing to support ISWAN as he takes on this challenge. While many seafarers are still enduring the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis in Ukraine presents a new ordeal for crew members and their families affected by the conflict. Every donation makes a difference, enabling us to give financial help to those in desperate need and to provide a listening ear and support to those who are struggling through our SeafarerHelp helpline.”
Mike just recently talked to a survivor of the February projectile strike by Russia on the Namura Queen in the Black Sea forThe Loadstar Podcast “It really struck me not only how much danger seafarers face, but also how long some of these guys have been at sea. My interviewee had had a close escape. It really sounded terrifying, and my heart goes out to those stuck there still.”
Offa’s Dyke is an earthwork ranging from ‘Sea-to-Sea’ which is believed to have actually been built in the 8th century like King Offa of Mercia to restrain the Welsh.
Mike will certainly be signed up with on the walking by childhood years close friendNorman Long The 2 will certainly bring all their set with them and also pay all their very own prices.
“Norman is confident in his navigation skills which is a good thing because I don’t know one end of a compass from the other,” claimedMike “If it’s left to me, we’ll be walking 300 miles.”
