Run4Tigray

In October 2024, I will run over 400 miles from Edinburgh to London, with the goal completion date being 20/10/24, the day of my 30th birthday.

Being from East London and growing up in East Edinburgh, originating from East Africa, I faced somewhat of an identity crisis growing up. The stares from the elderly, the racism from the ignorant, it always made me question who I am and where I am from.

In 2008 after multiple trips to Ethiopia/Eritrea, I finally got the answer to this question: Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. The region where my mum and dad are actually from. Visiting all of my families there and spending time in Axum, I learned in more depth the story of my people, the story of my namesake King Ezana, the pain of the people.

In November 2020, The ethnic cleansing of Tigrayans began. Sandwiched by Eritrean forces to the north and Ethiopian forces to the south, Tigrayans had nowhere to hide. At the time of writing (1/2/24), 1185 days have elapsed and over 800,000 Tigrayans have died. More information regarding details and facts will be provided in due course.

For at least the last 160 years, generations of Tigrayans have known one thing and one thing only: Pain.

Pain is in my DNA.

The current situation on the ground is dire. With the Pretoria agreement enforced, the indiscriminate killing has ceased but now the people are at the mercy of famine. Despite efforts, from NGO’s, nowhere near enough aid is finding its way (more details in due course). I am in the process of establishing the best method of raising and distributing funds to the people of Tigray. All donations whether monetary, pat on the back, words of encouragement, will be appreciated.

Love, always.

Ezu.

Mandatory info: 

1. Who you are 

Ezana Barnabas Alem

2. Where you're from 

London 

3. Your relationship to the parties you're raising funds for and who will be receiving the funds 

Family are from Tigray. Doing a sponsored run to raise funds for emergency relief effort.

4. How the funds will be delivered

Funds to be distributed amongst various charitable efforts on the ground. 

5. How the funds will be spent (be specific as possible)

100% of proceeds to go to relief effort. Providing immediate aid, contributions towards infrastructure, rehabilitation and regeneration.