Story
Andrew Burgess – AJ Bell Great Bristol Run Half Marathon 2027
My name is Andrew Burgess, and I am an independent fundraiser who chooses to raise money for organisations involved in supporting and protecting freedom of speech.
In 2027, I will be taking on a personal challenge to raise money to make a grant to the Free Speech Union (FSU) via The Danny Butcher Foundation by running the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run Half Marathon.
Why I am fundraising for the Free Speech Union
My decision to support the Free Speech Union is deeply personal.
In 2021, I was sued for millions of pounds by social media influencer Samuel Leeds.
Carrie Jones, who is Danny Butcher’s sister, was also among those who received legal threats from solicitors acting for Samuel Leeds. This was reported by The Guardian in its coverage of the dispute.
During what was an extremely difficult period of my life, the Free Speech Union provided me with invaluable support. This included emotional support, attending my court hearing, helping me to obtain suitable costs solicitors and sharing my crowdfunding campaign.
Their support helped me raise funds so that I could instruct a barrister for my upcoming costs hearing in November.
The support I received during this period meant a great deal to me. The experience also gave me a much greater appreciation of the importance of organisations that are willing to support people when they find themselves facing difficult circumstances connected with freedom of speech.
I would now like to give something back.
Rather than simply making a donation myself, I have decided to use my own time and effort to raise money for the Free Speech Union. This is my way of saying a very big thank you for the support they provided to me during one of the most difficult periods of my life.
My 2027 fundraising challenge
To help raise funds, I will be taking part in the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run Half Marathon 2027 on Sunday 9 May 2027.
The Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile challenge through Bristol. The event brings thousands of runners together and takes participants through the city, including the city centre and historic harbourside.
For me, however, this will be about much more than completing a running event.
It will be a personal challenge with a purpose.
Training for a half marathon will require commitment, preparation and determination. There will inevitably be difficult days during my training, but knowing that I am raising money for an organisation that supported me when I needed it most will give the challenge an additional meaning.
Every mile I run will be part of my fundraising journey.
I hope that friends, family, supporters and anyone who believes that freedom of speech is important will consider supporting my fundraising effort. Whether someone donates £5, £10 or more, every contribution will help me turn this personal challenge into something that can give back to the organisation that supported me.
I am running for a reason.
13.1 miles. One personal challenge. One organisation that supported me when I needed it most.
I am running the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run Half Marathon 2027 to raise money for the Free Speech Union.
Important clarification
For clarity, I do not represent the Free Speech Union and I am not speaking on its behalf. I am simply a member of the organisation and an independent fundraiser.
The views and words expressed on this page are entirely my own and reflect my personal experiences and reasons for fundraising.
Further reading and viewing
I have included the following links for anyone who would like to learn more about the background to my story and the wider dispute:
• YouTube – further information and discussion
• The Guardian – coverage of the dispute
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and, if you are able to, for considering supporting my fundraising challenge.