Nearly three years ago we (Lou and Jo) finished the Bournemouth marathon, raising money for Choose Love to help support refugees. Once completed I (Lou) swore never, ever again (Jo barely broke a sweat!) It was quite literally the worst day of my life, pipped marginally by giving birth. However, seeing as there will be no more babies, when thinking about what we could do to raise money for Afghan refugees, I was immediately drawn to a marathon, with Jo feeling equally passionate and once again set to be my backbone through the race. 

Speaking personally, I’d toyed with the idea of a marathon a few months ago and gave up. But there is no way I can now do nothing, and despite the horror of those 26.2 miles still haunting me three years later, it’s absolutely nothing in comparison to the abject hell the people of Afghanistan are going through right now. Jo, aka the marathon veteran, is equally passionate about human rights, especially that of women and feels determined to help in this crisis.  

We are running the marathon for @womenforafghanwomen. The strict interpretation of Shariah law implemented by the Taliban is disproportionately prejudice against women, stripping them of the rights and freedom they’ve enjoyed for two decades. Despite the ‘new Taliban’s’ claim of more freedom for women, independent reporting has already proved this to be a gaslighting move. This is in order to be internationally recognised as a new government rather than what they are, a terrorist organisation. Violence and oppression of women is already happening again. 

As strong women, myself a Journalist and Jo a Paraplanner, we are both fiercely independent spirits, the very thought of what the determined and inspirational Afghan women are going through terrifies us. Years and years of progressive liberation eradicated overnight. Women for Afghan Women is working day and night to help in this crisis, as well as the U.S. 

Supporting this cause is close to both mine and Jo’s hearts, and we hope yours too. If you could share even a few pounds we’d be eternally grateful. 

The race is in Tring, so if anyone fancies coming to support us we’ll (I’ll) need all the help we can get! 

Love Lou & Jo x