Who we are

Just Love Durham is a student-led group of Christians who desire to live out God's calling in Micah 6:8: 'To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God'. We are committed to serving our city through 5 core practices: volunteering, prayer, campaigning, fundraising and teaching. When we go out into the darkness of injustice in our world, we do so as devoted followers of Jesus. We believe that it is not our own strength but the power of the Holy Spirit that transforms us into the light-bearers that Jesus calls us to be in Matthew 5:14.

You can find out more at https://justloveuk.com/

What are we doing?

This year's Race Across Country Durham (RACD), taking place on the 22nd of November, is an exciting sequel to the race that took place last year and raised £5000. We hope to build upon the triumph of last year with more teams, more challenges, and a bigger target of £6000!

In brief, RACD is an approximately 24km hike that takes participants from the coast at Seaham, across woodlands, hills and towns, and eventually into the centre of Durham in Market Square. Those racing will have to traverse from checkpoint to checkpoint, completing various challenges along the way in order to score additional points. And all of this whilst battling the cold and windswept (but hopefully not wet!) November conditions. All participants will be rewarded with hot drinks upon completing this feat, and there will of course be a grand prize for the team with the highest score!

Who are we raising for?

All the funds that are raised will support the unequivocal work of Tearfund. Their mission is simple: To work directly, and/or alongside local partners and churches, in underserved communities in more than 50 countries to tackle complex poverty. They pursue this in 3 ways:

(1) Humanitarian Response - They respond quickly to disasters and conflicts

(2) Community Development - They partner with local churches and organisations to empower communities to lift themselves out of poverty.

(3) Advocacy and Influencing - They help individuals and churches to speak out on issues of poverty and injustice, as well as themselves challenging unjust polices and practices.

Please go to https://www.tearfund.org/about-us/what-we-do to find out more.

How much should you give?

There is no expected amount and just sharing this page with your friends and family is so valuable. Tearfund provides some guidance regarding the impact of donations:

- £12 provides a family in Iraq with a vital hygiene kit including soap, antiseptic, toothpaste, sanitary towels, shampoo and washing powder.

- £37 could provide vital emotional support from a clinical psychologist to a person traumatised by their experiences of conflict.

However, please donate whatever you are comfortable with.

Why you should join us if you can

Whether Christian or not, ignorance of those who cry out for help cannot be justified. As the world becomes increasingly myopic in its sense of social responsibility, the need to stand up and raise a voice advocating for the needs of the poor and vulnerable is vital. Although this race may just feel like a bit of fun, we hope and pray that the money and awareness we raise will not only be transforming to the livelihoods of those most in need, but also an inspiration to others. Our prayer is that the experiences, conversations and fellowship built through this walk will also form testimonies, friendships and the desire to continue striving for justice with God. That desire is one that is life-transforming and gives hope to Christians even in the darkest places of the world. So as well as donating, please join us in this race for justice and sign-up before the 19th of November