I’m Rae Saleem, and for years, I’ve taken on endurance challenges to unite communities, inspire movement, and raise vital funds for Comic Relief’s incredible mission.

In celebration of Comic Relief's 40th anniversary, we embarked on a challenge to virtually travel through communities that have benefited from Comic Relief funding.💥 25,000 km. 40 days. 6 countries.

🔥 Over the past 40 days, we’ve journeyed virtually through Greece, Africa and beyond. But today, we unlock the impact stories from some of those countries:

• UK - It’s easy to assume the need is “out there.” But hardship doesn’t need a passport. It's in our neighbourhoods, our schools, our streets. And thanks to Comic Relief, thousands here are getting the second chance they deserve.

💡 In England, Charlotte—still just a teenager—became homeless after years of caring for her siblings while battling depression.

It could’ve ended there.

But Comic Relief-funded EveryYouth and Roundabout Sheffield stepped in—offering a safe place, therapy, and someone to believe in her.

“I didn’t think I’d ever feel safe or hopeful again. But now I do. I feel like I’m building a life I actually want.”

💡 In Wales, Oasis Cardiff gives refugees and asylum seekers more than just shelter—they offer friendship, dignity, and a new beginning.

💡 In Scotland, See Me and Young Scot equip young people to talk about mental health before silence turns into suffering.

💡 In Northern Ireland, MACS supports young people leaving care—offering homes, counselling, and a sense of belonging when they feel forgotten.

• Greece - ✨ Imagine being 17 years old. Alone. In a foreign country. With no one. Nothing. Nowhere to turn.

That was reality for Zahra (17) and Amina (18), sisters who fled war-torn Afghanistan—risking everything for the hope of a better life. When they arrived in Athens, they had no food. No shelter. No protection. No idea what would happen next. They were vulnerable, afraid, and completely alone on the streets. But then… someone saw them.

Velos Youth is more than a drop-in centre in Athens. It’s a lifeline for young refugees who arrive with nothing—many escaping war, poverty, and persecution from countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, and more.

• Uganda - 💭 In Uganda, many children with disabilities face not only physical challenges but also societal stigma that isolates them from education and community life. For Namakula, a devoted mother, this was a painful reality.

Her son, Ayo, was born with cerebral palsy. In their village, disabilities were often misunderstood, leading to families like Namakula's being marginalized. Schools were ill-equipped, and support systems were nearly nonexistent.

But hope arrived through the Refugee Law Project, a Comic Relief-funded initiative dedicated to supporting refugee children with disabilities and their families. They provided Ayo with access to inclusive education and offered Namakula psychosocial support.

These are not just projects.......They are lifelines.

They are the difference between “barely surviving” and finally living.

And because of you, they continue.

🌟 Through this Red Nose Impact Challenge, we’ve travelled 25,000km across continents. For me, this journey is more than kilometres—it’s full circle.

Years ago, I too faced setbacks—mentally, physically, financially.

And it was the support of people and organisations like Comic Relief that reminded me: You are not your struggle. You are your strength.

💛 That’s why I move. That’s why I speak.

And that’s why I’m so deeply thankful to charities like Comic Relief and that you have joined me.

Your actions have already changed lives.

But there’s still time to go even further.

🎯 Keep being the change.

💷 Keep powering these lifelines.

🔥 Keep realising just how valuable and impactful you really are.

📲 Donate here

Because one fundraiser really can support many futures.