On 27th April I will be running the Manchester Marathon, the first time I've attempted that distance. I enjoy running but I'm no athlete - it'll be very tough! I'll be running for #TeamRedCross.

The British Red Cross provides emergency relief, healthcare, and support to vulnerable people in crises, both in the UK and globally. They respond to disasters, aid refugees, and offer community services. Essentially they are there when people need help the most.

The world feels like it's getting more and more unstable. The conflict in Gaza just one example of where The Red Cross's humanitarian work is becoming ever more crucial. You can read more about what the British Red Cross does and how they use the donations here: https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-stand-for

In short, your donation will be directly used to help vulnerable people in crisis. Some examples of schemes funded through donations to the British Red Cross:

- The Red Cross now have a dedicated Gaza Crisis Appeal (https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/gaza-crisis-appeal#form-donate-module) which has so far reached over 100,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank with emergency medical services.

- The Red Cross has been supporting people in Ukraine since the conflict began, with both short-term essentials like emergency medical care, food and shelter and in long-term solutions, like cash support to families who have lost everything.

- The Red Cross also support people in the UK by responding to emergencies, aiding refugees, providing health and mobility services, offering cost-of-living assistance, and loads more to help those in crisis.

Team Red Cross have set me a target of £500 for this marathon. Any help you can give to get me there would be much appreciated! Thank you!