Hey Friends,

On October 8th, I will be participating in the Royal Parks half-marathon, not just as a personal challenge, but as a means to raise awareness and crucial funds for the ongoing refugee crisis.

As some of you may know, shortly after the loss of my brother, I embarked on a journey to Athens as a field worker to offer my assistance at the Skaramagas Refugee Camp, home to approximately 3,300 refugees, primarily hailing from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Though the camp has since closed, many refugees continue to reside in 'temporary' camps and housing. Shockingly, the global average time a refugee spends in such 'temporary' conditions is a staggering 17 years.

During my time in the camp, I observed a pressing need for proper legal aid to help refugees navigate foreign systems and secure asylum status. Since my field work, I have continued to seek ways in which I can take action, and that's why I'm running in support of the 'Refugee Legal Support' charity in the UK.

'Refugee Legal Support' is dedicated to providing vital legal assistance to refugees, helping them surmount the legal hurdles that stand in the way of rebuilding their lives. By contributing to this cause, you will be aiding vulnerable individuals in their pursuit of safety, stability, and a brighter future.

The months I spent volunteering with the refugees were deeply healing for the grief I was enduring after losing my brother. It reinforced my belief that one of the most profound ways to help ourselves is by helping others. I carry this conviction with me as I prepare for the half-marathon.

I have included some photos from my time there, but they don't do justice to the beauty of the people I met and got to know. The resilience of the human spirit, kindness and generosity prevails despite the circumstances.

Thank you for your time, your consideration, and support! It means a great deal. 

Jade

About Refugee Legal Support (RLS)

"RLS is a team of frontline asylum lawyers who assist displaced people with vital legal advice and support. We're a small charity but punch well above our weight, responding to emerging need quickly guided by the communities we work with.

We have projects providing legal support and information in the UK, Northern France and Greece.

At a time when the rights of people seeking asylum are under threat like never before our work is getting harder and harder to fund. 

Raising vital funds is key so that we can help more people to access justice, reunite with their families and reach safety."