In 2022, I ran the Oxford Half Marathon for SSNAP, the charity that had been there for my family during one of the most trying times we've ever faced. They provided unwavering support when my premature twins were born at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. They weren't just there for us with practical assistance; they were a pillar of emotional strength, helping us through the storm.

Now, as I lace up my running shoes once again, I am preparing to run for Save the Children in the upcoming Oxford Half Marathon, driven by the profound impact of my previous experience and the enduring gratitude for the support my family received.

The past year has been transformative for me. Watching my twins grow and develop into unique individuals has been a joyous experience. It's also led me on a path of self-discovery and reflection. I've delved into books about gentle parenting and children's rights, drawing parallels between my own childhood and the future I wish to create for my children.

My own upbringing was far from ideal. I grew up in a family scarred by emotional abuse and dysfunction. In a country where children were expected to show 'respect, obedience and submission,' my childhood was marked by a lack of genuine love, trust, and respect. Yugoslavia, the country I was born in, went through tumultuous times in the 1980s, with rising nationalist sentiments and ethnic tensions. This ultimately led to its disintegration in 1991 and a long, painful war.

As a child, I was exposed to psychological and emotional manipulation, propaganda, and indoctrination. Many children, like me, were subjected to biased narratives designed to dehumanise and demonise other ethnic or religious groups. These experiences aimed to instill fear, hatred, and loyalty to a particular ideology. I consider myself fortunate that my region, Istria, faced relatively less violence during those times, but it wasn't without its scars.

The wars in the former Yugoslavia left deep wounds, and I carry the psychological effects of those experiences with me to this day. 'Save the Children' was one of the organisations that provided vital support during those tumultuous times, offering hope and assistance to children and families affected by the conflicts. Importantly, they continue their impactful presence in the Balkans today, extending support and undertaking meaningful work for those in need.

Amidst global conflicts, including the situation in Ukraine, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Israel, have triggered painful flashbacks. The anxiety, sleepless nights, and feelings of helplessness returned, along with a profound sense of empathy.

These issues are deeply personal to me. I have an overwhelming urge to help, to do something, even if it's just a small contribution from my privileged position in the country I call home today. As I watch my own children grow up in comfort, with food, warmth, love, and security, I am filled with gratitude. This gratitude has inspired me to run for Save the Children, an organisation that stands as a beacon of hope for children enduring traumatic events within their families in conflict-ridden regions around the world.

I hope that, through our collective efforts, we can bring some semblance of relief and a touch of normalcy to their lives. I ask, with the deepest sincerity, that you consider making a donation to this incredibly vital cause.

Save the Children believes that every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, they give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. They do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

Thank you for your generosity and for joining me on this journey to make the world a better place for children!