The reality of being forced to flee your home with nothing and then undertaking a traumatic journey in search of safety and a new life is experienced by many who are seeking asylum and refugee status - and it's also why I am running the Great South Run in Portsmouth to support Refugee Resource and why I am sending you all yet another message asking for your help.
Refugee Resource is an Oxford-based charity offering trauma-informed counselling, mentoring and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers. Despite all the pressures facing charities across the UK, they continue to provide this vital support.
Although I am aware of how many fundraising requests you probably receive, I can say that I've seen the incredible impact of Refugee Resource's work, powered by a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers.
Unfortunately, changes in government policies mean that even those whose requests for asylum are recognised as legitimate, because of the problems in their home countries that make it impossible for them to return home, are still made to wait years before they can settle in, build a new life and become part of our communities.
So supporting refugees and asylum seekers with both their physical and mental wellbeing remains as important as ever.
Every donation you can provide really helps. So if you can sponsor me today, it truly makes a difference, but if you can't, I quite understand too. The People's Fundraising site suggests amounts but I think you should provide whatever is right for you.
Thank you so much.
Dave Waller
(You may see that we have changed to using People's Fundraising as the platform for collecting funds because it charges less while, hopefully, providing all the same services.)
If you have any comments, feel free to contact me via davidw099@yahoo.co.uk
