I am Sabir Zazai, a former refugee and now the Director of Coventry Refugee & Migrant Centre, an organisation that once helped me through my own settlement in Coventry. As a former refugee, I strongly value the importance of basic support services in refugee integration.

Can you imagine how it feels to leave everything while fleeing your country for safety? Not being able to forget what has been done to your family and loved ones… Experiencing flashbacks to violence and torture you have been through… Being hungry and afraid for months during escape and journey… Many of the refugees around the world can relate to that. And despite some of the basic support they receive in host countries, being alone in a strange place can trigger even further problems of deprivation and poverty. By running Coventry half-marathon I would like to raise £1,000 or more to ensure refugees have access to basic support services such as clothing, food, shelter, water and sanitation.

I am inspired by the warm welcome Coventry extends to its newly arrived citizens. Coventry Half Marathon offers an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and much needed funds to help refugees affected by recent conflicts. Please be generous with your donations.