Aid to the Church in Need is a Catholic charity supporting church-based projects around the world. The situation of Syrian refugees is of great concern to us. We have strong contacts with ACN projects that are offering crisis support to families who have fled the fighting or targeted threats. Some families are internally displaced. Many others are now refugees in Lebanon. Many left their homes so quickly that they only have what they could carry with them, so food, shelter and medicine are urgently needed. Longer-term we will be supporting families as they re-settle. We offer help, regardless of faith or culture. As the sign above one of the clinics run by an order of religious Sisters says:  ‘Religion is for God. Dispensary is for everyone!’

ACN’s National Director Neville Kyrke-Smith and Head of Press and Information John Pontifex and a small band of friends and benefactors are putting on their running shoes to help make a difference to people who need our help and our friendship NOW.

Neville Kyrke- Smith says:

“I feel compelled to do my first ever sponsored run to help some of the refuges whom I have met in the Middle East. Those who have fled terror and violence now face a situation which seems without hope – two or three families crammed into one room or sleeping outside, surviving in tents if they are fortunate. I hope that my friends and the friends of ACN  will feel able to fund my size 14 feet as I trample a 10k run for those in real need and those who care for them. God bless. (And please say a prayer for this old runner and the others!) “

John Pontifex says:

“As anyone who knows me from my school days will tell you, I’m no athlete and enjoy my food rather too much. But given the desperate situation in Syria and what people are suffering out there, it’s a small thing to ask to go through an hour or so or pain if it means I can help them out a little.” 

GO TEAM-ACN!!!

We are delighted to welcome two new members to Team ACN’s British 10k London Run team, Miriam and Harriet. These committed runners will no doubt make ACN very proud as they race through the streets of London on July 13.

Miriam says:

"Last summer, on a parish beach trip, I met a family who had fled persecution because of their Catholic faith. This encounter made real to me the persecution of Christians and I have decided to run the 10k to help raise awareness of this disproportionately reported issue."

Please DONATE as much as you can to relieve the suffering of Syria’s refugees. Many men, women and children are barely surviving and are desperate for our support. We have quite a way to reach our target of £3,000, but with your help, it ‘IS’ possible, so come on, support Team ACN and together, let’s make a difference!

Thank you for your gift – large or small – it is a real lifeline to people who have lost so much already. Don't forget to Gift Aid it if you can. God Bless!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

BRITISH 10K LONDON RUN UPDATE

Congratulations to our brave runners who all completed the run on Sunday 13 July 2014.

The initial down pour of rain at the start of the race could not dampen the spirits of TeamACN as they raced to raise money to help the plight of Syrian refugees.

As I’m sure you are aware, the predicament of Syrian refugees is extremely severe, with many having been displaced from their homes, no access to UN aid, and even starvation in certain areas.

It is still not late to donate and help us reach our target of £3,000. Please consider giving generously.

Also, you are welcome to peruse images taken on day including our brave team sporting their victory medals at www.facebook.com/acnuk.