Dubai: He thought he would be worn out for days together once he's back home after walking for 51 days in a journey that took him from Ruwais to Makkah through some of the most challenging terrains.
Instead, Emirati walker Jalal Bin Thaneya said he feels more invigorated and recharged than ever, thanks to the mission that has physically and spiritually transformed him as a person. Bin Thaneya was speaking to Gulf News after he returned home from Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
"I slept only a bit today. I still don't feel it's over… It's a journey that's going to stay on with me," he said.
Purpose of the walk
Bin Thaneya's walk was aimed at raising awareness about special needs children in general and funds for the Dubai Centre for Special Needs in particular. It was only fitting that children from the centre had a surprise gift to welcome Bin Thaneya back after a gruelling journey — a painting specially crafted by them.
When a Gulf News team presented the gift to Bin Thaneya moments after he stepped into UAE territory at the Al Ghuwaifat border early yesterday morning, he was visibly moved.
"It's a really nice and touching gesture… I am grateful for their love, affection and maturity," he told Gulf News. "It feels so wonderful to know that the children appreciate what my mission was all about and what I have been able to achieve through it." he said.
Bin Thaneya reached Makkah late on January 30, concluding a memorable walk that saw him being joined by Saudi citizens in support of his cause, briefly (and erroneously) detained near Riyadh, sleeping on interchanges near cities and in an industrial area on New Year's Eve, and surviving the last few kilometres of the journey on cereal bars.
"I have done my part, the media has done its part. It's now up to the people who believed in my journey and who followed it to come forward and donate for the centre," he said. "Even a small contribution can make a big difference if we all join this mission together. I think it is the responsibility of every citizen of this country and of everybody who calls the UAE their home to help build a brighter future for children with special needs," Bin Thaneya said.
