For Lebanese expat and content creator Raymi Naouss, coming home to Lebanon is usually an excuse to go out clubbing and spend time with friends. Back for the first time in two years, last weekend he instead ran barefoot for 43 kilometers to raise money for patients suffering from cancer.

Naouss, who lives in Dubai, was eager to do something for his struggling countrymen who are currently living under one of the worst financial crises in the country's history. But he was unable to travel due to restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. During that time, the situation of many in Lebanon dramatically changed for the worse, especially for those living with life-threatening illnesses.

“I said, let me try and create something challenging for me,” Naouss told the New Arab. “[My first idea was] I would be walking 100 kilometers; let's say, to Tripoli and back [in] 24 hours or something like that. Then the idea started to grow. I wanted to do something for Lebanon.”

“Being a cancer patient as well, I know the struggle,” he said. “If I can, I would love to help in any way possible.”