1000mile walk following tragic death of Michael Dunn

The partner of a climate activist who died earlier this year after a tragic battle with cancer has started a 1,100 walk around the whole of Wales this summer.

Addie May Swarbrick Schwarz began her mammoth trek on Saturday May 6 to raise money for climate activism in memory of her late partner. Michael Paulo Dunn,from Worcester,  passed away aged 39 on January 24 2023 after a short, cruel battle with Oesophageal cancer . 

‘It’s been tough so far, sore feet meant I’ve had to change boots, cold night time temperatures meant I’ve struggled to sleep. Most of all, the weight of the grief drags me down, I walk and cry each day. I’m hoping at least the walking will get easier, I know the grief isn’t going to for a while.’ said Addie. 

Michael and Addie met through their activism work with Extinction Rebellion (XR) and took part in actions around Worcestershire, as well as national actions across the country. Michael, with talents in music technology, produced many tracks for Worcestershire XR’s performance art, and combined soundscapes and poetry for COP26 radio. He raised awareness in the local community about sewage pollution, flooding risk due to climate change, and held the county council to account on their action on the climate crisis. With bravery Michael took action in London, climbing five stories up the insurance company Lloyd’s of London. This shut down their offices for the day and contributed to damaging pipeline insurance not being renewed.

‘Michael was the kindest, most generous and thoughtful soul, who always went the extra mile to help people and the planet. He inspired and supported his friends and family, and we all are missing him dearly. Since his passing friends have stepped up and joined XR in London at The Big One. He’s still helping to save the world even now,’ says Michael’s partner Addie May.

Addie embarked on her walk around Wales on the 6^th May, made up of Offa’s Dyke, The Wales Coast Path, and scaling Snowdon. The latter being a favourite place of Michael’s. The walk will take up to three months, which is tragically the same amount of time that Michael had with us from his terminal diagnosis, despite a 10-18 month prognosis.

The science is clear in the latest IPCC (intergovernmental Panel Climate Change) report, ‘there is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all’. The UN and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have called for an immediate end to new fossil fuel exploration and production and an end to fossil fuel subsidies. Yet the UK still are licensing over 100 new oil and gas projects. Recently, wildlife presenter, Chris Packham has called “every last person who cares” about the planet to join Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil.

The money raised from this walk in memory of Michael, will go to XR, Just Stop Oil, and The Climate Emergency Fund, supporting non-violent direct protests and actions to put pressure on government and big business to act on the climate and biodiversity breakdown.

You can donate to Addie’s campaign at: https://chuffed.org/project/climatewalk

Or Google: chuffed climate walk

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