I am actually attempting to RUN 13.1 miles! That's like all the way from Shoreham to Peacehaven!

I can hear the gasps and I'm not surprised. I have spent most of my life telling everyone that I am allergic to sports, fitness and fruit. 

Let me tell you why this sudden change of heart:

In the six months since I started fundraising for BHT, I have met some of the most inspiring people, and heard the most amazing and life affirming stories. Also, regrettably, some of the saddest.

BHT runs over 20 different project that work with homless men and women, adults and children seeking asylum, vulnerable men and women with ill mental health, men and women overcoming addictions, and families struggling to keep their homes. A total of 11,474 people last lear.

Here are two people that have really made an impact on me:

Richard*

Richard was 50 when his construction work dried up. He heard there was work in Brighton so he come down to look for a job. He started by living in a B&B but after his savings ran out he moved into his car. As winter fell, and still no work he developed a lung infection and was taken to hospital: they discharged him a week later with still no where to go. The Brighton Rough Sleepers Team eventually found him and referred him to our day centre for rough sleepers, First Base, where he could shower, eat, get warm and talk to an adviser. At first he didn't want to claim benefits because he was too ashamed. Within a week First Base had helped him make a claim and helped him find accommodation. Richard was then able to start rebuilding his life.

Najela*

Najela is a young woman from Afghanistan. She arrived when she was only 16 years old and claimed asylum at the airport, having travelled for 4 months to escape her home. She was taken into the care of social services in the Brighton area. She gave an account of her being targeted in her home by militia because of a dispute with her family. Her account was initially disbelieved and her claim refused, but because she was still a child she was granted discretionary leave until she was 17 and a half years old. After the refusal she confided to her BHT Immigration Legal Service caseworker the full extent of sexual assaults she had suffered. The case was presented again to UKBA and she was granted refugee status. Not only has she now won the secure future and protection she deserves under international law, but her story is one of her personal empowerment and courage in the face of horrific past experiences and an insensitive and drawn out determination procedure.

(*Obviously not their real names!)

I am running this half marathon for me. I am running the half marathon for the fantastic and enthusiastic team of runners I have around me. I am running the half marathon for the incredible people who work at BHT. But most of all, I am running the half marathon for the thousands of people who turn to us for support, and finally find what they are looking for. 

 

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