ComedianBen Van der Velde plans to walk the entire London Underground network within a month, starting on June 8, to raise money for the Refugee Council.

 

"This will include all major lines (and the DLR, travel pedants), but not the Overground, at least not yet, as that way madness lies” he says.

 

The last attempt to walk the network was by Danielle Shap in 2009. Her effort was spread over nine months, though it did include the Overground stations. 

 

Van der Velde is likely to cover over 350 miles on foot to visit every single tube station on the network. “It’s equivalent of a half-marathon a day for a month: the London Underground Marathon if you will?”

 

He was moved to attempt the walk because he wanted to do something tangible about the refugee crisis and raise money for the Refugee Council. “Like so many people, I have watched the news open-mouthed and dumbfounded at the horrors so many people from Syria, Eritrea, Iraq and beyond have had to escape from, as well as the pain, suffering and discomfort of their journey to Europe.”

 

“World War Two taught us that we could open our doors to refugees and help them build a new life, away from persecution. I feel this particularly strongly as both of my maternal grandparents had to get out of Berlin and Warsaw pretty sharpish in the late 1930s thanks to the actions of a very angry little Austrian. They were remarkably lucky that they could make a safe, quick passage and were able to make a new life for themselves here in Britain and I’d like to help those who are finding it much more difficult today.”

 

Refugee Council head of Advocacy Dr. Lisa Doyle said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Ben has decided to raise money for the Refugee Council by setting himself this incredible challenge and we wish him the best of luck."