I am walking 800 km to help acid attack survivors face the world again

TAKING up the challenge to walk 800 km was not a decision made lightly, knowing it would be a real test of endurance for both body and soul. But it is self inflicted and nothing in comparison to the cruel struggle of acid attack victims to rebuild their lives - the cause I am fundraising for. 

While I prepare for the pain of blisters on my feet as I tread 25 km of the El Camino every day, imagine the agony of surviving fourth-degree burns from the toxic chemicals used to maim more than 300 women in India every year.

Help me raise funds to support the longterm medical treatment and rehabilitation of 20 brave survivors.

The cause

Acid attacks are designed not to kill but to severely hurt and disfigure, causing prolonged physical and mental suffering.

In India, it is a gender-based crime often used against women and girls for refusing male advances of marriage or sex, or are dowry related. And attackers purposely target the face in a bid to cause permanent damage and public shame.

While the criminals usually go scot-free, survivors of this heinous act face social stigma, alienation, unemployment and bear the burden of expensive and lengthy reconstructive surgeries. 

The NGO

Delhi-based Chhanv Foundation helps acid attack survivors overcome the trauma and embrace life again by assisting them with long-term medical treatment, legal aid and providing avenues of employment. 

In fact, to help with the latter, Chhanv has set up two cafes called Sheroes Hangout in Agra and Lucknow, run and staffed by survivors.

My challenge

I am walking 800 km of the El Camino, a route of an ancient pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in north western Spain. While it was taken up for religious reasons when it began in the 9th century, now thousands of people like me do it every year as a personal challenge.

My sister and I start walking mid May - from St Jean Pied de Port in southern France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain - and expect it to take 40 days. Though Google maps says 728 km, the well established route is 790 km.

Just like people fundraise for a cause when running a marathon, I am raising funds for Chhanv Foundation to help survivors of acid attacks feel comfortable in their own skin again and rebuild their lives.

Perhaps you could donate an amount of your choice for every kilometre I walk?

Thank you for your generosity in advance.