Hello! My name is Sasha and I’m a postgraduate Philosophy student at the New College of the Humanities in London. I was first introduced to Student Action for Refugees a few months ago through the newly-formed STAR society at our university. After attending the introductory session and learning about the kind of work that STAR does to help refugees across the UK, I knew that I really wanted to fundraise for them. It was very eye-opening  to hear about some of the conditions that face the thousands of refugees coming to the UK – many of whom are fleeing war, ethnic violence, and religious persecution.

One of the main reasons I chose to run the London Marathon for STAR is because their work has a direct and instant impact on the
livelihood and wellbeing of refugees:

In 2019, STAR students volunteerd at 86 projects supporting 4,458 refugees. They provided academic support for children, English conversation clubs, drop-in centres, IT workshops, gardening projects, sports clubs, and community events. The STAR team runs effective projects that respond to the needs of local refugees and asylum seekers, helping them make connections and overcome many of the challenges that they face in building their new lives here. They are also involved in: 

• Volunteering at local refugee projects
• Campaigning to improve the lives of refugees
• Educating people about refugees and asylum

STAR is made up of 50 groups at universities and colleges across the UK and a national team which co-ordinates and supports the groups. STAR groups are students’ union societies which are affiliated to the charity. I will running this marathon on behalf of the STAR society at my college, the New College of the Humanities [NCH STAR].