Everyone at Migrant Action would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Lina (volunteer) for her amazing achievements of completing the half marathon and raising funds to help migrants who are in vulnerable and crisis situations. Thanks to Lina, Migrant Action will now set up a hardship fund- The Lina Solidarity Fundin recognition and appreciation of this wonderful gesture . All future crowd fundraising we undertake will go towards the Fund.
Read Lina’s short article below
In 10th March 2019 I completed my first ever half marathon after a challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable 1h55 run through the heart of the beautiful French capital. Battling icy winds and very tired legs, it was the thought of all my wonderful sponsors who donated to my chosen charity, Migrant Action, in my support that kept me going and pulled me through. I chose to fundraise for this migrant led organisation as it is very close to my heart and through my own experience volunteering there, have witnessed first-hand the incredible work they do to prevent vulnerability and assist migrants to find positive pathways to integration.
Joined by other 30,000 ambitious runners and in a team of 33 students from Leeds RAG (Raising and Giving) society, the 13-mile route took us past some of Paris’ most beautiful sights, including the Notre Dame, Bastille, Rue de Rivoli, Hôtel de Ville, and Château de Vincennes. I chose the Paris Half Marathon as my charity fundraiser as it is an incredible event and known to be a great first marathon due to its scenic route and vibrant atmosphere. I wanted to set myself a challenge that is worth supporting and use running to inspire charitable work and giving. I am beyond pleased with the result of my personal achievement but more importantly what the Leeds RAG Paris team achieved. I was able to raise a total of £320.00 for my chosen charity Migrant Action! Huge congratulations to the Leeds RAG Paris team, for raising a whooping £ 8000.00 which will go to 21 causes!
Since my eye-opening experience volunteering at a refugee camp in Germany, witnessing the sheer destitution, injustice and discrimination these people are exposed to every day, I have always been looking for ways to make a positive change to the lives of migrants and refugees. Inspired by lived experience of migration, Migrant Action’s work is not limited to providing practical assistances to migrants to help address the impact of immigration policies, the organization is equally committed to advocating for systemic changes in the UK immigration system. Migrant Action offers me the opportunity to make a positive contribution to people’s lives and have shared experiences. I have been inspired by the work the organization does with limited resources.
I’m thrilled that the monies raised will be going towards setting up a Migrant Hardship Fund to serve as a safety-net for destitute migrants who are unable to work or even afford basics such as food, bus tickets to legal and other appointments, providing them with the basic needs they require.
Huge thanks to everyone who donated and the whole Migrant Action team for their continued support!