Howdy 🤠

I’m planning to run my first ever 5k race on the 23rd November 2024. I am running the Red Run — a charity run, supporting those living with HIV. The funds raised are for METRO Charity!

Working at METRO Charity has allowed me to see first hand how crucial HIV awareness and support is. In my role as Head of Youth & Mental Health Services, I oversee HIV Counselling services pan London for people living with HIV & the feedback from clients is stark. Being able to be given a therapeutic space to talk about what life looks like for them now is life changing and transformative.

Stigma, hate, discrimination and ignorance still remains extremely high in society regarding HIV and can have devastating impacts individuals living with HIV. At METRO, we have a Hardship Fund that people living with HIV can access, for everyday essentials. The fund provides small one-off payments, usually £50, to people accessing our services who really need a bit of extra support. Every penny that is raised for this run goes to the Hardship which is given directly to people who need the funds the most. For more information about what METRO delivers, please see https://metrocharity.org.uk/

Some of you may know I am a runner already, I started in 2021, however I am pretty steady 🐢. I am also hoping in this run to get a sub 32 min time. This will be a PB for myself! (as someone who never ran in her teenage years and has asthma, this is a achievement!)

So, please donate whatever you can to support METRO Charity to support people living with HIV.

A huge thank you for your support in advance!

And to those we have lost, those out and proud regarding thier status and to those who not, I advocate for you ❤️