I am participating in the Great North Run 2024 to raise funds for the British Red Cross in support of displaced and migrant populations.

Recently, far-right and anti-immigration violence has spread across towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland. Mosques and accommodations housing asylum seekers have been attacked, cars and buildings—including a library—have been set on fire, and shops have been looted. These acts of violence have included racist elements, highlighting the urgent need to stand against racism in the UK.

In my previous role, I spent five years working on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border following the 2017 Rohingya crisis. Many Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, and some risked their lives by taking dangerous boat journeys to neighboring countries to escape the genocidal actions of the Myanmar military. Tragically, many perished at sea, seeing this perilous journey as their final hope for safety and protection.

Millions of people worldwide become refugees due to persecution, armed conflicts, or other crises and violence in their home countries. The support and services available to refugees remain insufficient, and punitive laws and policies are pushing them into increasingly desperate situations.

Each year, the British Red Cross supports over 30,000 people in the UK throughout the asylum process. This includes providing food and clothing to 16,000 refugees and helping to reunite nearly 1,000 separated families. I am committed to raising funds for the British Red Cross team, who work tirelessly to ensure that displaced individuals in the UK can live with dignity and have their humanitarian needs met.

In 2023, I participated in the Great North Run and raised £559 for the British Red Cross. I am deeply grateful to all the donors who generously supported this cause. This year, I am once again running to stand in solidarity with refugees during these challenging times.

Any donations are greatly appreciated, and all contributions will directly support vulnerable communities in need.