Thank you for considering sponsoring me to walk 10 miles in support of Hope for the Young!

As you may already know, I left my job earlier this year because I felt like I wanted to pursue a career with a greater sense of purpose. I'm starting my Human Rights Masters in September, and in preparing for this, I've been reading more and more about the global refugee crisis and the increasing European (and global) hostility towards asylum seekers - people who have been through traumatic situations and need our compassion, not suspicion. 

As a result, I've become increasingly keen to use my new-found free time to do something to help welcome and assimilate refugees and asylum seekers in the UK; to show that there is a place for them here; and that they can still pursue sports, activities, education and a career. Hope for the Young is a fantastic charity helping to do just that, and I've recently become involved with their mentoring project, which I want to help expand by raising vital funds by doing a 10-mile sponsored walk on 22nd September with other volunteers, mentees and associates of Hope for the Young.

Already through Hope for the Young I have met a wide selection of incredible mentors and mentees, and have been really inspired by Hope for the Young's mission to create hope and opportunities through education and mentoring. Through a really well-structured induction and training programme, I can already see how organised, diligent and dedicated Hope for the Young is, which means that the benefit of every donation is maximised. Anything you can give is really appreciated to help me reach my target!

I was especially drawn to Hope for the Young because they recognise the individuality and dignity of young asylum seekers and refugees, recognising that as a result of their situation they have have complex needs, but that in many ways they're also just like any other young person - and have the same interests, hopes and dreams. I'm now looking forward to being matched with my mentee over the next few weeks. If you're interested in reading about the sort of things I'll be doing, you can read Jemal's and Victoria's awesome mentoring story here: https://hopefortheyoung.org.uk/2018/08/10/jemal-and-victoria/ 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.