Fateha Begum, Yasemin Kafali, Joe Collett and Alice Nicolay are running the Manchester Marathon Relay for Freedom from Torture because it is a cause very close to all of our hearts. The relay run will see us covering 26 miles between us, and it is a personal challenge to us all.

Freedom from Torture is a human rights organisation that works with survivors of torture who come into the UK. They have been working for 27 years to provide direct clinical services to survivors of torture, as well as striving strive to protect and promote their rights. Over 50,000 individuals have been referred for help since 1985. 

Clients come into the centre extremely traumatised having experienced unimaginable things, leaving friends, family, their country and culture behind, and having to re-build their lives in the UK, whilst also fighting for their right to stay in the country for safety. Hostile voices in the media and host communities, as well as the fear of being returned home, are further difficulties faced by them.

The North West centre is especially close to our hearts. In 2012, Freedom from Torture North West received 240 new client referrals who fled from 40 countries and provided support to 184 survivors of torture. We have personal contact with the clients there, and each one is an amazing individual. Please help us to raise just £500 to support this amazing charity.