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The Human Disco Ball campaign was an Outstanding Commitment finalist in the JustGiving Awards 2024!
To be a finalist alongside so many truly remarkable human beings was deeply moving, and Aaron and I felt overwhelmed that you thought our campaign was worthy of being there with the ultra-running, horse-walking, support-grouping, health-caring, fun-loving, kind-hearted icons that make up the boldest and bravest fundraisers in the UK.
It gave us hope (which is all we really wanted off the back of this silly disco running project) to show that there is a more compassionate way to approach migration in the UK. People are more compassionate that you think and you have shown us that by raising £22,038.
Thank you all!
Distance: 2,500KM / 2,500KM !
Runs: 203
Funds raised: £22,203
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Update: 31 December 2023
Thank you for all the generosity and kindness you have shown us over 2023. Aaron and I could not have reached £20,000 and 2,500 kilometres without you. Even though we raised a big chunk of cash, we agree that the most valuable thing to come out of 2023 is the positive conversations we have been able to have around immigration in the UK. 350,000+ impressions on social media, 22 press interviews, anonymous three-figure donations... We continue to be moved by the kindness of strangers.
We are going to have a break with our loved ones. We hope you do too and that 2024 brings you and your communities peace. Thank you for everything you have done.
Freya, Aaron, Gina & Bail for Immigration Detainees
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Update: 30 August 2023
Freya and Aaron believe that there are better ways towards an integrated future in the UK than painting over children's murals, inhumane detention and making illegal entry unlawful. Like their friends at Care4Calais, Right to Remain, Freedom from Torture, IMIX, Show Racism the Red Card and the Refugee Council, they strongly support the idea that human kindness and respect should be the starting point for immigration policy.
Freya and Aaron, both human rights lawyers, decided to fundraise for Bail for Immigration Detainees at this vital time. This small organisation provide a lifeline for people navigating migration in the UK by helping all of those in the UK detention system access free legal advice.
The campaign's focus on sport and community, solidarity and celebration. As part of the campaign, Freya has led disco-themed warmups at Runthrough events, hosted fun runs and competitions (Blue Monday Run, Race2Crate, Mental Health Awareness Week Prize Draw), raced at Manchester, Hackney and Bristol as the Human Disco Ball, danced at Secret Garden Party with DJ Kasra and mentored members of the Refugee Running Club.
In June 2023, Freya ran 200km non-stop over 43 hours from Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol to Brookhouse Detention Centre near Gatwick Airport. Freya is now in the home stretch of completing her final running milestone for the campaign, which is to run 2,500km by the end of 2023.
We are grateful for all the support you give us. Thank you!
Freya, Aaron, Gina & Bail for Immigration Detainees
Media:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-67738813
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-65203015
https://www.bigissue.com/news/activism/changemakers-2023-refugees-and-asylum/
https://www.biduk.org/articles/solidarity-fund
BBC Sounds (10:35:22 and 12:09:01): https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0fjp6p3