On Sunday 12th July I'm going to be running the Saucony 10k to raise money for the wonderful organisation HostNation. This might come as a bit of a surprise from someone who always described themselves as more of a cake sale type fundraiser - but apparently running is what we do in our 30s so here I am!

HostNation are a charity who connect socially isolated asylum seekers and refugees with volunteer befrienders across London, Greater Manchester and Tyneside. Through matching with friendly residents, they aim to give refugees a positive experience of their cities, a pathway into British culture and an informal space for practising English. I've personally been involved with HostNation in different capacities for several years now, from a befriender initially (you can read more about my experience in a previous blogpost here), before becoming a trustee and occasionally a referrer.

I've always admired what HostNation do, but it feels more important now than ever. I've seen this first-hand, as for my PhD research I spent two years getting to know people in the asylum system and newly granted refugees, following their journeys through what was often an incredibly challenging period. At the same time, we see so much hostility targeted towards these people. Friendship feels more urgently needed than ever before, because as the saying goes, love is stronger than hate.

Despite the need, the funding landscape facing the charity sector at the moment is incredibly difficult, and so organisations like HostNation need our support more than ever.

I'd be so grateful for any donations to this wonderful charity, and to give me some motivation as I am lacing up those running shoes!

Thanks so much!

Olivia x