THE launch event marking the start of a 1,200 mile walk through the UK and Ireland in the name of peace took place in Tavistock recently.

Tavistock resident Max Laithwaite, who is undertaking the challenge as the 'Peace Day Pilgrim', hopes to raise awareness for Global Truce 2012, which marks the UN International Day of Peace on September 21.

The organisation behind this movement, Peace One Day, is hoping to record the largest reduction in volence the world has ever seen, and the largest gathering of people in the name of peace.

Max said: 'In 2007, Peace One Day managed to negotiate a 24 hour ceasefire in Afghanistan between the Taleban and the Allied Forces on Peace Day.

'Due to the cessation of violence, 10,000 aid workers were deployed who were able to vaccinate over 1.5 million children against polio.'

Max said more than 100 million people were involved in Peace Day 2011, yet there was little awareness of it in the UK.

He said: 'Violence is not just about war. Domestic violence is another form which must be addressed.

'The aim is to walk and talk about the issues behind Global Truce 2012 and the organisation Peace One Day. To spread the word about the eradication of domestic violence campaigns. To inspire a common voice about how we wish to eradicate violence from homes, streets and battlefields.'

Max's journey marks the 50th anniversary of Satish Kumar's 8,800 mile pilgrimage against nuclear proliferation. In the same way, Max will be walking without money, placing his faith in the kindness of strangers.

The launch event at The Wharf in Tavistock included the screening of Peace One Day films and live jazz music.

Max Laithwaite begins his walk in Londonderry on June 21 and finishes it on September 21 in London. For more information go to http://www.peacedaypilgrim.com">www.peacedaypilgrim.com