I am raising money to support UNICEF's Children of Gaza Crisis Appeal.

Over the past year my mental and physical health have not been the greatest. I made a decision to grab a season ticket to see Liverpool FC Women at the start of the football season. I've been able to get to 16 matches this season and the impact this has had on me has been incredible. The positive atmosphere at the games and the tenacity of this incredibly talented team has been vital in making me feel like me again.

The season has obviously ended and I am bereft. I need something to focus my attention on. To bridge the gap from now until the start of the new season I have decided to set myself a challenge. I am going to take up running and I will complete 400km by the time the football season starts in September on the 21st/22nd (whenever the first LFCW game is). This gives me 16 weeks to work through this challenge. This not only will be very good for my health and well-being, but gives me the opportunity to raise money for a cause that breaks my heart on a daily basis.

It will be challenging, as I have very little fitness to work with. I will have to stop smoking alongside this, too. According to the last running app I used I've not gone for a run since 2019!!! 400 km is a long distance and is 25 km a week! But it needs to be hard, doesn't it. It's absolutely nothing compared to the atrocities experienced by the people of Gaza.

If you can donate, please do. If you can also leave me a suggestion of a good running song to stick on my playlist to keep me motivated, that would be boss.

About UNICEF'S Children of Gaza Crisis Appeal:

Hundreds of thousands of children are affected by the violent conflict in Gaza and Israel. An unrelenting bombardment of Gaza followed the brutal attacks in Israel on 7 October. Violence is taking a terrible toll on the lives of children and families. ​

Supply routes into Gaza have been severely impacted. Children and families are running out of food, water, electricity, and medicine. Homes and critical infrastructure lie in ruin.

Despite the dangerous security situation, UNICEF continues to deliver life-saving supplies, including medicines and clean water, as well as mental health support.

With supplies and living conditions rapidly declining, UNICEF needs our help to reach more children and families.

Please donate what you can. Thank you.

Cath Hurley

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