Two Western teachers finish cross-country walking trip to raise funds for children

Two foreign teachers, Jake Norris (Australia) and Sean Down (Ireland), have completed their journey on foot from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to their once-in-a-lifetime experiences, they have also raised funds to help disadvantaged children in Vietnam.

On the afternoon of February 24, the special journey of Mr. Jake Norris (36 years old) and Mr. Sean Down (44 years old) ended at the Ho Chi Minh City Theater in the joy and congratulations of friends and walking enthusiasts.

In December 2023, they set off from the Hanoi Opera House and traveled along the Ho Chi Minh Trail for 2,000 km. The trip was to raise funds for the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation and the Thanh Loc Project.

Noble purpose

Sweat drenched their shoulders, their feet were sunburned, but the couple smiled happily as they chatted with everyone. They talked enthusiastically about the trip, the precious experiences that nothing could compare to.

Hai thầy giáo Tây kết thúc chuyến đi bộ xuyên Việt gây quỹ giúp trẻ em- Ảnh 1. — *Mr. Sean Down (left) and Mr. Jake Norris just finished their journey in Ho Chi Minh City not long ago. DUONG LAN*

"I have mixed feelings. I feel relieved, emotional about myself, but at the same time I still can't believe it's true. I'm exhausted because I've had very few days off in the past 3 months," said Sean Down. Sean Down said that a few years ago he had a serious motorbike accident that required surgery, and now has 2 metal pieces and 12 screws to hold his ankle together. The man also has arthritis. At the beginning of the journey, he was not used to walking all day, so his ankle was always sore. In the north, it was cold and rainy, and he got pneumonia. However, over time, he gradually adapted and miraculously overcame all obstacles.

Hai thầy giáo Tây kết thúc chuyến đi bộ xuyên Việt gây quỹ giúp trẻ em- Ảnh 2. — *They walked further from the HCMC theater to Thao Dien area to socialize with friends, who are passionate about walking. DUONG LAN*

The couple has raised about $35,000 from the trip and plans to raise a total of $200,000. "We always think that no matter what difficulties we face, they can't compare to what children without an education face. When we think like that, it becomes easier to continue. We both know we're doing it for a noble cause," he said.

Hai thầy giáo Tây kết thúc chuyến đi bộ xuyên Việt gây quỹ giúp trẻ em- Ảnh 3. — *Both had a memorable experience in Vietnam. DUONG LAN*

The Irish teacher said that Vietnamese people are incredibly lovely, friendly and kind. On the way, the couple was offered food, drinks and even rides. Of course, they thanked them but refused because they were walking to raise funds for charity. "When they found out we were walking to raise funds, we stayed for free in their hotel. I have met many people around the world but Vietnamese people have a very sincere loveliness," he said. During the special trip, the 44-year-old man commented that the scenery in Vietnam is unlike anywhere else. In the eyes of the two, Da Lat is truly beautiful, the people are friendly and funny. In addition, the memories of stopping at Ly Son Island are also unforgettable for the two teachers.

Hai thầy giáo Tây kết thúc chuyến đi bộ xuyên Việt gây quỹ giúp trẻ em- Ảnh 4. — *The funds raised from the trip will help disadvantaged children. DUONG LAN*

"Jake and I are vegetarians. We were treated to a delicious meal and taken on a tour by the nuns at a temple on the island. It was a magical and perfect moment. The difficulties encountered on the journey will make me a more patient teacher," he shared. As for Jake Norris, it was "an emotional roller coaster". Excitement, joy, sadness... are what he experienced after this special walk.

Hai thầy giáo Tây kết thúc chuyến đi bộ xuyên Việt gây quỹ giúp trẻ em- Ảnh 5. — *Friends around sent their congratulations when they completed the trip. DUONG LAN*

This was also a big challenge for the young man. Before leaving, Jake Norris suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injury in his left knee. The doctor was also worried about his inability to walk and advised him to limit his activities for about 9-12 months. "I was very worried that I would be able to walk for a day or two and then not be able to continue. But I did it and was fine. For me, there weren't many challenges on this journey except walking from Nha Trang to Da Lat because the pass was quite steep," Jake Norris shared.