Hello everyone,

In a few weeks, I’m running my first marathon. Inspired by my brothers Toby and Fynn, who run ultra-marathons for fun, I felt it was time to come out of sporting retirement and show them I still have it.

I’ve chosen to run the Athens Marathon on 12 November for my debut race. This is the original marathon that the messenger Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to bring news of the Greek victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC.

In the last six weeks, I’ve increased my weekly mileage, cut down the beers, and started to build a decent fitness level. I even ran a solo half-marathon in Athens earlier this month in blue trousers because I stupidly left my running shorts on the island of Sifnos. It was 32 degrees!

I‘ve decided to run this marathon to support the work of Mazí Housing, a brilliant grassroots charity that works with young refugees travelling alone through Greece.

Mazí runs two apartments in Athens, providing a safe place to live for 23 men at any given time.

Residents are supported to address health and mental health concerns, develop skills, find work and pursue their goals. This breaks the cycle of homelessness for each individual, helping them leave prison-like camps, precarious basements, and rough sleeping on the streets for good.

The Greek state has ended its housing support for asylum seekers, and most other NGOs have run out of funds. Mazí are among the last ones still going!

Your support will be vital to keep Mazí houses running. So, I ask you, if you can, to donate to this great cause.

Many thanks for reading this page and for your generosity if you donate.

Love from,

Sam