Running the Great North run in aid of the people affected by the Sudan war
Sara Elkhawad is raising money for The British Red Cross Society
Participants: Callum Walter
Story
On 15 April 2023, Sudan plunged into a dire humanitarian crisis as a result of a violent clash between the main two warring factions battling for control of the country. So far, the conflict has left hundreds dead, thousands injured and hundreds of thousands displaced. The people of Sudan had already been experiencing immense suffering with people struggling to access the basic essentials including water, food, fuel and medical care. Prior to the crisis, nearly 16 million people - a third of the population- required humanitarian assistance, and some 3.7 million people were displaced, mostly in Darfur.
For years, the Sudanese people have been desperately wanting and protesting for a democratic political system. In 2019, after months of non-violent action from civilians - with women at the forefront - the revolution resulted in then President Omar Al-Bashir's resignation, and what many hoped was the start of Sudan's democratic transition. However, these hopes have been crushed and efforts derailed by the war.
As many of you know, the crisis in Sudan has been particularly moving for us and is close to our hearts. Sara's father, who sadly passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2007, was born and raised in Sudan and was deeply passionate about Sudanese politics and human rights and social justice. Being the second eldest of 11 siblings, many of Issam's family, including his young nieces and nephews, remain in Sudan. Much of Sara's family have been displaced from their homes in Sudan's capital Khartoum where much of the fighting is concentrated, lost their livelihoods, and are traumitised by the war.
To honour Sara's father's wishes and to support the people of Sudan through the crisis, Sara and Callum will be running the Great North Run half marathon in Newcastle which is where we enjoyed many years having studied at Newcastle University. We will be raising money for Sudanese people affected by the crisis through the British Red Cross emergencies fund.
We thank everyone in advance for supporting this cause and will continue to do our best to raise awareness and support for the Sudan and the people affected by the crisis.