We are taking on the Thame 10K on 30^th June 2019 to raise money for a project that is close to our hearts, the Haddenham Syrian Family Project.  

It is fair to say that we are both known amongst our family and friends as more likely to be found in a café or in the pub than pounding the streets, so whilst 10K might seem like small-fry to some, this is a huge personal challenge for us!   

The Haddenham Syrian Family Project is making good progress but we are still trying to raise much needed funds.  The money raised will go to support a Syrian refugee family to establish a new life in our community.  The services we will be able to pay for will ensure they are able to become independent and self-supporting as quickly as possible, and enable them to put down roots after fleeing their war-torn country.  

We hope our friends and family will be so amazed (and amused) at the thought of us completing this race, they will support us in raising money for this brilliant cause.  We would be grateful for whatever you can spare. Every pound counts. 

Thank you! X

What is the Haddenham Syrian Family Project?

The Haddenham Syrian (HS) Family project aims to assist one or more Syrian refugee families to make a new life with us in Haddenham under the Government’s Vulnerable Persons’ Resettlement Scheme.

Government Community Sponsorship Scheme

In 2015, the Government set up the Community Sponsorship scheme to meet their commitment to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees in the UK. It is a partnership which requires the participation and financial commitment of the local community.  The Government vets and chooses the families, arranges their travel to the UK and guarantees that they are eligible for work and benefits.  The responsibility for making the necessary arrangements for welcoming the family and supporting them for the first 2 years is delegated to the host village and community, Haddenham. 

What does the HS Family Project Committee do?

The committee of the HS Family project are responsible for planning for the arrival of these vulnerable people, finding suitable housing, helping organise work, education, language translation, English lessons and healthcare to name a few. The rationale is that having local people committed to the project increases the chances of successfully integrating the family into life and work in the village to achieve a sustainable and safe environment for these war torn people to build a new life.