After attending one of North London Hospice’s training courses to learn about the value of empathy, student Ryan embarked on an unusual fundraiser – to spend a day with chickpeas in his shoes!
The Oxford International College student was inspired by an exercise where participants were encouraged to put dried chickpeas in their shoes to experience how physically debilitating chronic diseases can be.
Ryan has gained huge support for his initiative with schools and colleges across the UK and the world also taking up the challenge.
“One third of adults suffer from multiple chronic diseases,” said Ryan. “The backbone for this initiative is the virtue of empathy, where we are aiming to help participants put themselves in other people’s shoes. By feeling real discomfort when walking, participants will be able to better empathise and relate to those living with chronic discomfort or pain, such as Arthritis.”
Participants are challenged to walk on chickpeas for between one day and two weeks and raise sponsorship in return for North London Hospice. “It’s where I had the original idea and also a place that cares for a large number of patients who have multiple chronic conditions.”
