My time working in Myanmar in 2015-17 was some of the most special in my life. I was privileged to work with colleagues in the Parliament there, and to travel around this amazing country. While I was there I experienced a much smaller earthquake; I vividly remember how scared it made me, and the damage even from that small scale event.

The massive earthquake last week killed over 3000 people, and injured many more. While I'm thankful that my friends and former colleagues in Myanmar are safe, the earthquake has caused huge damage in a country already coping with civil war following the coup in 2021. This article sums up the context, and the call for help: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/05/the-people-of-myanmar-cant-seem-to-catch-a-break-heres-my-plea-to-the-international-community

The challenge:

To help fund the international response, I'm taking part in Race to Respond, a sponsored 10K challenge raising money for the British Red Cross, and I'd appreciate your support.

The Red Cross in Myanmar is providing direct medical care to the injured in Myanmar, as well as cash and vouchers, and other forms of support. They urgently need funds to address the ongoing consequences of the earthquake.

I'll be doing this 10k as a hike up a hill in Cumbria. The time will be sloooow but I'll pick a gruelling route to earn your donation, and will update in a few days with the details.

The target:

£800 is a strech target in such a short amount of time so here are some incentives:

If I reach £400, I'll cook a burmese meal for one donor who got me to that target (name picked out of a hat - you can refuse the offer but my burmese fried tofu is genuinely not to be missed!)

If I reach the full £800, I'll do the 10k in a Longyi (myanmar dress). And post the photo.

If you've been thinking about helping, please consider this fundraiser - any amount can make a difference. The Red Cross in Myanmar is a trusted organisation that has a long history in the country. This fundraiser is for them, but I'll be match funding the first £250 with a donation to a local myanmar charity supporting women and girls in Myanmar.

From the Red Cross:

In an emergency, every second counts.

You’ve probably seen the devastating events in Myanmar on the news. As you read this, local Red Cross societies are helping people who need it most. Emergencies like this turn people’s lives upside down, tear families apart, and can leave even the most resilient communities struggling to rebuild.

Please give what you can. In an emergency, even small amounts can make a huge difference.

£2 could provide a family with jerry cans, so they can store clean water for drinking and cooking.

£60 could provide enough toiletries to support five people’s hygiene and dignity for one month.

£170 could provide a family of five with a food parcel that contains a month’s worth of meals.

Thank you