CSW Advocacy Director to cycle length of Britain

Andrew Johnston, Advocacy Director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), will cycle from John O’Groats to Lands’ End, covering 888 miles over ten days, to raise money for CSW’s No Way Out campaign for Egyptian Christians.

Andrew’s journey begins in John O’Groats on 21 August, taking in Glasgow on 23 August and Manchester on 26 August, with a stopover at the Greenbelt Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on 28 and 29 August, where Greenbelters with bikes will join him on a ride to Strood. He will then continue his cycle, aiming to reach Land’s End by 31 August.

The aim is to raise £1,000 for CSW’s No Way Out campaign, which aims to support Egyptian Christians through prayer, solidarity and action. Christians in Egypt have lived with the threat of discrimination, harassment or violence for decades, and CSW’s campaign aims to support them as the vital political reform process begins.

Over 15,000 people have already supported the campaign by signing a petition urging the UK and US Governments and the European Union to take every possible measure to bring an end to religiously-motivated violence. There have been at least 20 attacks on religious minorities since the revolution, highlighting the need for action to ensure that Egypt’s religious minorities are treated equally within Egyptian society.

Andrew Johnston said, “No Way Out and the plight of Christians in the Middle East really struck a chord with me, having met so many Christians fearing for their future across the Middle East. Working for CSW I am privileged to see up close and personal, the difference that CSW’s support makes to so many people’s lives and the importance of supporting Christian communities that don’t enjoy the same freedoms we take for granted that in Europe. I am delighted to support Egyptian Christians and to help them play their role in the new Egypt.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

Notes to Editors:

1. There is still time to sponsor Andrew on his journey, and UK taxpayers can ensure that gift aid makes their donation go further. Visit his sponsorship page at: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/andrewjohnston

2. Follow his journey on twitter: @nowayout_egypt