Hello! We started off as two British friends thinking of running the Cardiff Half Marathon but were a little anxious about the hard work ahead. We then found out that a Syrian friend and colleague had received the worst possible news, that he had lost his family during army shelling of their home town. Along with another Syrian friend of ours, we decided that the best way to show him, and all Syrians, our support would be to raise money for an aid charity helping people on the ground.

Hand in Hand for Syria  are a UK based charity working hard to provide humanitarian and medical assistance both to Syrian refugees in bordering Lebanon and Jordan and to those still trapped in the violence, including in areas not accessible to the Red Cross. The charity does fantastic work but is small and desperately needs funds to continue and expand their efforts. More information about the crucial work Hand in Hand for Syria do can be found at their website: http://www.handinhandforsyria.org.uk/

Our team has expanded signifcantly, from two to three to nine to eleven! Three months of sweat, blisters, sore knees and running in the great British "summer" won't be easy but is nothing compared to the ordeal facing many Syrian citizens every day. We're really excited and honoured to be able to do something, even if it is only small, and we'd love it if you could join in by sponsoring us and/or sending messages of support.

Alex, Amit, Long, Chris, Emma, Helen, Kim, Liz O'Donovan, "Lucy" and Olivier x