I am running the Brighton marathon to raise money for Student Action for Refugees (STAR). STAR is a fantastic charity that has been close to my heart ever since I joined the STAR society at university ten years ago.

STAR works towards building a society where refugees are welcomed, with a particular focus on helping people seeking asylum to access higher education. Going to university is an opportunity that should be open to all, but currently people seeking asylum are locked out of higher education in the UK, as they are asked to pay international fees, have no access to student finance and are not allowed to work. 

STAR seeks to change this through mentoring, and campaigning for policy change and scholarships. In 2021-22 STAR supported 100 students with their university applications through mentoring and worked with university staff to develop 11 new scholarships. They also set up the Equal Access Network for students from asylum seeking backgrounds to connect with one another and launched the Displaced Student Opportunities UK portal, where applicants can access information about scholarships and support.  

I have continued to be involved with STAR since leaving university, and last year, I joined the board of trustees. Any support you can give as I take on this 42KM challenge will help STAR continue to campaign for equal access in an increasingly difficult political climate. Education is for everyone, and refugees are welcome here.