Day 1 - Derby to Melbourne

After the speeches, songs and ITV Central interviews outside the council houses, we were on our way.

The former Mayor and Prof Jonathon Powers, Dr Dina Abbott completed one mile with us - the Mayor along with many others were also barefoot with us!

We passed St James’s C of E Junior School near the DRI. Children were outside waiting for us to pass and they clapped and cheered. Emmanuel spoke to them and told them how lucky they were living in England and having shoes because children their age in Africa go to school without shoes, food in their bellies, and that he believes that every one of the has the potential to become a Prime Minister and so they should listen to their teachers and work hard. He said that when they become the Prime Minister in the future, they are going to make the world a better place than it is now.

When we arrived at Chellaston School, the children were lined up along the road (there were loads of them to great us – maybe 100!). They cheered and Emmanuel spoke to them also. The teachers recognised me from a previous visit to the school and said they were looking forward to seeing me again in the future (after the walk).

About 20 people walked with us all the way till the A50 bypass. At that point some turned back leaving seven of us to continue to Melbourne. Two of them included Deepak, a BBC Radio Derby reporter and his colleague. Deepak interviewed Emmanuel along the route.

The walk went smoothly until we reached the Swarkstone Bridge. Here, we struggled to cross the bridge at this point. Deepak offered to climb the fence, cross the field and ask the farm owner whether we could walk on their land to the other side. Luckily the owners had watching our walk on the BBC and were happy to help and allow us to cross! Thanks Deepak! When we were crossing, there were calves in the fields looking at us and mooing at us and running around!!!

We met lots of people on the way. Some people who saw us thought that we might be African dancers or musicians (because of way Emmanuel and Taffy were dressed. Two ladies not far from Melbourne Hall gave us a donation.

When we were just outside Melbourne, we met the High Sherriff and his wife who were waiting for us. We then walked with them to Melbourne Hall. The Mayor of Derby also joined us for the final mile to Melbourne Hall. With them were the seven of us - Emmanuel, myself, Taffy, the two from BBC Radio Derby, Herbert and a lady called Fana just before 4pm.

On arrival more photographers were waiting for us and we were formally welcomed by the High Sheriff and we all had tea and biscuits with him and the Mayor. The vicar from the church was also there.

The High Sheriff offered to drive some of the walkers back to Derby which was very kind of him.

After placing a marker on the ground, Emmanuel , myself and Phil went back to Derby for a bath and a good night sleep. I will be getting up at 4:00am tomorrow!

(Written by Khumbula Dube)