Running 21k may seem a challenge but it’s nothing compared to the difficulty of finding a simple painkiller in Venezuela. The economic crisis in my homeland has reached such devastating levels that doctors are struggling to keep patients alive because they don’t have basics such as soap, antibiotics, gloves, x-rays or even electricity.

I am an active volunteer for Humanitarian Aid for Venezuela, a charity based in Miami, Florida. This programme seeks donations of much-needed medical supplies and, with great care, sends them to Venezuela.

When the donations reach my country, medical supplies are given to well-established charities, among them: CARITAS Venezuela, Fundación La Pastillita, Fundación Manos para Vargas, Amigos del Hospital San Juan de Dios, etc, that distribute them across Venezuela at no cost to the recipients.

My mum was diagnosed with cancer 15 years ago, back then, while it wasn’t difficult to find medicines, they were very expensive. This experience made me realize that I would not want any Venezuelan family to have to go through the same situation in Venezuela nowadays, when no medicines or medical supplies are available.

That’s why I support this charity: I can understand the pain and suffering Venezuelans are going through. If by luck they can find medicine or treatment for a serious illness, it will cost them a fortune. (Inflation hit 741 per cent in february of 2017)

Being an active member of Humanitarian Aid for Venezuela in London is the only thing I can do for my country.

This is my second 21k, please donate whatever you can, I would appreciate any support.

Charity: Humanitarian Aid for Venezuela
Website: www.ayudahumanitariavenezuela.org
Instagram: pahvenezuela
Facebook: Ayuda Humanitaria para Venezuela
Twitter: @Ayudahumanvzla

Race: TCS Amsterdam Marathon
Place: Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Date: 15 October 2017

Sponsor: www.retrocaracas.com