You read that right... Lily is running 10k* (eek) - but for an excellent cause 🏃🏻‍♀️

Since 2017, my family has had the pleasure of hosting refugees and asylum seekers fleeing war and persecution from countries including Eritrea, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Sudan.

We've met so many wonderful people along the way - our first guest stayed for nearly a year! Another guest stayed with us for 5 months during COVID (and endured many a banana bread) and other guests have stayed with us for weeks or days whilst they find more permanent accommodation.

Mostly, they have been young men - although we have had several women and a married couple who have since had two lovely baby boys 👼

They have all, without exception, been incredibly respectful, appreciative, and thankful for a safe place to sleep. We have kept in contact with quite a few of our guests, who have become friends and it feels like they're now a part of our extended family. Small mention for Sid, our family dog, who has become a great companion and comfort to many of our guests 🫶🏼

In a world that feels increasingly as though its default is hostility rather than compassion, being a small part of someone's extraordinary journey, is frankly a great way to put a spare bedroom to use!

Lily? Run??

I know! I'm shocked too. For those of you who know me, you'll know I literally do not run. Not for the bus, not for the train and certainly not for fun.

However, if there's one thing that I've learnt over these last few years, it's that I CAN do hard things.

*Disclaimer - I might be the last one across the finishing line, and I reserve the right to take a run/walk approach to the race.

From Refugees at Home

Refugees At Home connects people with a spare room in their home to refugees and people seeking asylum in need of somewhere to stay for a while.

So far, we have helped over 7,600 guest, with over 3/4 of a million nights not spent on the street!

With your support, we can ensure every refugee and person seeking asylum facing homelessness has a safe place to stay and a chance to rebuild their life.

We can all do something: host; donate; fundraise.

To know more, visit www.refugeesathome.org