A couple of years ago I ran the Goathland Trail Half Marathon for the first time. Always liking to set myself a challenge, I decided to sign up again this year (and attempt to beat my previous time of just over 2 hours).

I'm sure we've all been moved by the images, videos and reports detailing the migrant crisis caused by the wars in Syria and elsewhere. Personally I have found it a great challenge - seeing people who've left everything behind, desperate to reach Europe in search of a new life.

We have so much. And it's easy to feel removed from the situation - particularly up here in the sparsely populated North Yorkshire.

I didn't intend to attempt to gain any sponsorship for this event - but felt that it was a good opportunity to do something, however small, to help in this awful situation.

There are many organisations working hard in this situation, but I've chosen to raise funds for the UN Regugee Agency (UNHCR):

"UNHCR is on the ground, protecting refugees and providing lifesaving assistance such as shelter, food and water to refugees arriving in Europe. We are also resettling some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees from camps in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon so that they do not have to risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean in search of safety."

For more information about what giving to UNHCR could mean for refugees visit their donation page: http://donate.unhcr.org/gbr/general/

I'm sure many of us will have donated already to this cause - but thanks for taking the time to read this and consider giving to help others in desperate need.

Having travelled back from France via Calais a few weeks ago I had a stark reminder of the difficulties facing so many people not so very far away. As a father I cannot comprehend having to move my family across a continent in search of safety - leaving everything behind - it must be totally terrifying and hearbreaking.

Let's give generously and be ready to help those in need.

Thank you.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.