On Sunday 17th May 2026 I will be running the Hackney Half for Refugee Action. As my friends and family know, I'm just about a happy 5km runner, so the thought of 21km is rather daunting! This is only my second ever half marathon and the first one in 18 (!) years. It'll also be my longest run post back surgery almost two years ago, when I was told that running this far was unlikely to be achievable. So I feel very fortunate to be taking part at all.

I'm running because I attended a Refugee Action event at work celebrating Black History Month and I was so impressed and moved by the inspirational panellists that I wanted to do something to support the work of the charity.

I believe that refugees deserve better. Can you imagine being forced from your home because you are no longer safe there, and making the dangerous journey to Britain? You might be hoping to be reunited with family, or excited to build a new life for yourself somewhere where you already speak the language. After everything you've survived, you deserve support, kindness and respect.

But instead you are left facing years of waiting to hear back about your asylum claim, banned from working, and living in awful accommodation and poverty.

Refugees deserve better than this. And that's why I'm raising money for Refugee Action. They have been standing up for refugees since 1981, delivering services for refugees, and campaigning for their rights.

Please sponsor me if you can, and help support refugees across the UK. Thank you!