A LOCAL charity director crossed through North Cornwall on an extraordinary 1,280‑mile walk to John O’ Groats to raise funds for refugees rebuilding their lives in the South West.

Katherine Cox, director of Trauma Foundation South West (TFSW), began the challenge on March 7, setting off from Land’s End and walking the first leg along Cornwall’s north coast from Land’s End to Barnstaple.

The challenge, titled “Soul to Sole: Walking in Solidarity with Refugees,” will take place in stages over eight months and aims to raise funds for specialist trauma therapy for refugees and people seeking asylum living in South West England.

Trauma Foundation South West provides free‑to‑access long‑term trauma therapy and support for people who have fled war, violence and persecution and are rebuilding their lives in the region.

Nicola Hill, director of operations at TFSW, said: “Katherine’s journey puts the soul of our work into the soles of her shoes. Every mile she walks helps us provide life‑changing trauma therapy and support for refugees, so often excluded from statutory services, as they begin to rebuild their lives in the South West.”

During the first week, Katherine walked the North Cornwall coast from Land’s End to Hayle, St Agnes, Mawgan Porth, Padstow, Tintagel and Bude, before continuing into Devon and finishing the leg in Barnstaple.

Along the way she met volunteers, community groups and organisations supporting refugee communities, including colleagues from the Cornwall Refugee Resource Network.

Local residents are invited to walk a stretch of the route, cheer her on, or support the campaign online.

Funds raised will support trauma therapy, specialist training for therapists, and community initiatives helping refugees find safety, belonging and hope in the South West.

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For more information, or to support the campaign or follow Katherine’s journey, visit www.tfsw.co.uk/news/soul-to-sole