STARTING on July 3, a Mid Devon woman will be walking through every Ward of Mid Devon (around 140 miles but likely more!) to raise awareness of racial inequality and what people can do about it.

Tsara Smith of Westleigh, said: “Since the murder of George Floyd, I have opened my eyes and ears, more than ever before, to the existence of racism.

“It is not just in the USA, it is here in the UK - it is here in Devon. Systemic and individual racism is still having a devastating effect on people of colour, here and now.

“When the recent Black Lives Matter protests were taking place, I wanted to join one. But there weren’t any in my area.

“Once I began thinking about it, I felt that there should be a show of support from rural communities, and that it was time to start a conversation about racial equality in a space where such conversations don’t often happen, in my experience.

“So, I am going to walk through every ward of the Mid Devon district to raise awareness of racial inequality. I will walk around 140 miles (the equivalent of about five-and-a-half marathons) between July and September, passing through as many towns and villages as I can on the way.

“I will be carrying a big ’Stand up to racism’ sign and I hope to:

• raise more awareness of racial inequality

• encourage people to learn more about the topic, and provide ideas for resources

• help people to think about what they can do to tackle racism

• raise money for the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust (which aims to have a real impact in tackling discrimination and disadvantage in the UK)

• meet and speak to as many people as possible along the way!

“I’ll leave a sign in each town and village that gives suggestions for what we can do to actively fight racism - this will be in the form of a ’planning application’ to build communities that don’t tolerate discrimination.

Follow: @middevonwalker on Twitter for updates!

“We can often think there is little we can do individually to effect change, but we have more power than we realise - starting conversations, sharing information, signing petitions, raising money, writing to our MPs, attending protests - all of this adds up.

“Imagine if every village in our little, predominantly White, county was filled with champions for change - we could achieve so much!

“My route will take me through all 24 wards, passing through towns and villages including: Willand, Uffculme, Ashill, Culmstock, Hemyock, Clayhidon, Sampford Peverell, Burlescombe, Westleigh, Holcombe Rogus, Hockworthy, Staple Cross, Huntsham, Clayhanger, Kentisbeare, Cullompton, Butterleigh, Bradninch, Silverton, Halberton, Uplowman, Cove, Stoodleigh, Morebath, Shillingford, Bampton, Oakford Bridge, Chevithorn, Tiverton, Cadeleigh, Bickleigh, Cadbury, Thorverton, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Poughill, Pennymore, Newton St Cyres, Shobrooke, Stockleigh Pomeroy, Crediton, Sandford, Puddington, Woolfardisworthy, Kennerleigh, Morchard Bishop, Cheriton Bishop, Hittisleigh, Copplestone, Bow, Lapford, Chawleigh, Zeal Monochorum, Down St Mary, Coldridge and Wembworthy.”