This 6 April I’m running a half marathon to raise £400 for Refugee Action, UK

Why I’m fundraising for Refugee Action

Refugee Action’s mission is to actively support people seeking asylum, forced migrants and unaccompanied children get a fair chance of getting protection from the legal system. Many people seeking asylum face an uphill battle, first fleeing from violence, disaster and individual persecution, and then moving to seek humanitarian protection in a country where they are unfamiliar with the language, the customs and the bureaucracy.

68% of asylum seekers wait more than 6 months to receive a decision and in this time they are stuck in legal limbo, are banned from working, and are only able to receive maximum support of £5.84 a day. Subpar housing and treatment can lead to health issues and feelings of isolation.

Refugee Action is a charity that supports these people through the legal process, helps advocate for their basic human rights and then supports asylum seekers, who have legally granted rights, with integration and community building.

On a personal note, I cannot claim to have remotely experienced any of these feelings, but the topic of migration has always been front and centre in Hong Kong, as for a long time it was a haven for those who wanted to get away from the Chinese Civil war and subsequent Communist regime. Why now? Sometimes you want to do something bigger than yourself, even if it’s a small act.

The feeling of safety is a fundamental human need. I think everyone deserves a stable and safe society to live in, and that's why I am supporting Refugee Action.

Refugee Action offer help and advice services for asylum seekers in securing accommodation, financial support and or access to legal representation. In many cases their services have given them new lives.

It's part of my goal each year to challenge myself physically and also try and see how it's possible to contribute to something bigger, however small, to the world. Anisa and I will each be running a half marathon (2x half = marathon) to support the work at Refugee Action. We hope to get your support in this!