I, Raja Aslam, a foster carer for Olive Branch Fostering from Blackburn, am lacing up my running trainers and embarking on a sponsored journey like no other: from Manchester to Holland! 🏃🏽‍♂️‍➡️

This international ultra-run is not only a personal challenge, it’s a heartfelt bid to raise awareness for fostering and to generate vital funds for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity, which helps young people from all backgrounds build confidence, resilience, and life skills. 👏🏽

I decided to run from Manchester to Holland because:

I was born and raised in Holland and moved to Manchester when I was 10 years old. So, the start and finish are both very close to my heart.

Fostering transforms lives, not just for the children, but for the foster carers too, I wanted to do something bold to show what’s possible when you have the right support, belief, and opportunities, something that Olive Branch, The whole BSN community, and the DofE champion every single day.

My journey will start from the iconic Media City in Salford, a vibrant symbol of northern spirit and innovation, and stretch across the UK and Europe to the Netherlands, running a half-marathon each day.

Every step of the way, I’ll be carrying with me the stories of young people whose lives have been changed by fostering with Olive Branch fostering/BSN and by the DofE programme.

Thank you so much for reading. I would really appreciate your support even a little will go a long way and help children from all walks of life. Together lets make a difference.