scone.com.auRunning for Their Lives
THREE weeks two days is the time it took John Sandy, a refugee in Sierra Leone, to walk to a phone and call his wife.
Michael Eccleston was teaching at St Joseph’s, Aberdeen last year when he volunteered at the Catholic Care Refugee Services (CCRS) in Mayfield, where he met John Sandy and was inspired by his story to help refugees.
“It resonated with me I thought our students need to hear this so they are more informed on issues associated with refugees trying to resettle in Australia,” said Mr Eccleston.
Michael Eccleston with the people who inspired him into action.
L-R Roger Ndayambaj, Michael Eccleston and John Sandy.
Mr Eccleston decided to further raise awareness of the plight of refugees like John and yesterday set off running for five days, beginning at St Joseph’s High School, Aberdeen and will finish at San Clemente School, Mayfield.
St Joseph’s High School principal John Tobin saw Michael’s experience inspire his students.
“Michael was significantly moved after attending the refugee centre in Newcastle and it also enthused his year 8 students,” said Mr Tobin.
“They became enlightened, more knowledgable and most Australians are in the same boat as our year 8’s and didn’t really know what the plight of the refugees was all about,” John Tobin said.
“It is typical of our Joey’s kids they really live out the Mary McKillop philosophy that was mentioned a couple of times today, never see a need without doing something about it, and that’s what our kids connected with.” said John Tobin.
St Joseph’s student’s formed a guard of honour for Michael Eccleston.
“They wanted to do something about it and the Syrian refugees was their focus… over 200 presents were collected and wrapped as part of a community day or in this case a reflection day about the needs of others” principal Tobin said.
“Michael was able to inspire the kids to connect with not only the plight of it but then to do something about it, we can all sit in the grandstand and think we are in tune with their needs.” said John Tobin.
A special guest at yesterday’s starting line was Roger Ndayambaj, a recently settled refugee who as a child spent eight years in a refugee camp after being forced from his village and sneaking away under the cover of darkness to save their lives.
Roger’s mother saved his life when he was taken by armed men and she was asked if the child was boy or a girl, she said the child was a girl and they let him go; his mum realised if she had said he was a boy the men would have raised him with a machine gun in his hands as a child soldier.
Michael Eccleston being escorted from the gates of St Josephs on the start of his campaign to raise awareness for refugees.
Michael Eccleston said he continues to be inspired by the stories of refugees and felt humbled by the support of the students at St Joseph’s.
“I had no idea what to expect, I knew it would be good because the spirit within the school is fantastic, when Roger told his story I watched the students, they were so connected by it and so moved more good things are going to happen here as a result of today” said Mr Eccleston.
“We have a great student body, so motivating and inspiring,” said Michael Eccleston
You can follow Michael’s journey at the following schools:
Today: Arrives at 12.oopm at St Catherine’s School, Singleton
Sunday, June 19
Departs 10.30am from St Patrick’s Parish, Singleton.
Arrives 3pm at St Joseph’s School, Lochinvar.
Monday June 20
Departs 10am from St Joseph’s School, Lochinvar.
Arrives 12pm at St Peter’s School, Maitland.
Tuesday June 21
Departs 7.15am from St Peter’s School, Maitland.
Arrives 11.30am at Catholic Care Refugee Services, Mayfield.
Arrives 12.30pm at San Clemente School, Mayfield.