With 52 marathons for 52 charities this year, I want to make sure the causes I run for aren’t just reflect issues close to home—but challenges faced all over the world. The first half of September’s focus is on charities based in North and South America, shining a light on problems that cross borders: from healthcare access to environmental protection, education to social justice. While I may be running these miles here in the UK, the people and causes we’re helping are spread thousands of miles away—pushing my empathy greater than national.

I’ll be running my 31st marathon in Hungerford, Berkshire. This week’s cause is immigration protection, and I’m supporting HIAS—a charity that has been helping refugees and asylum seekers for over 140 years. They work to protect the rights and dignity of people forced to flee their homes, offering safety, legal aid, and the chance to rebuild.

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What is immigration protection?

When people are forced to leave their countries due to war, persecution, or disaster, they face not only the trauma of loss but the uncertainty of starting over in a new place. Immigration protection ensures that refugees and asylum seekers are treated with fairness, humanity, and legal safeguards. Without it, vulnerable individuals can be left in limbo—stateless, homeless, and voiceless.

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Why am I running for this cause?

Because empathy demands action. It’s a controversial topic at the moment, but at the end of the day and in simple terms, these people are human and desperate. Running marathons takes diligence and energy, but it’s nothing compared to the resilience shown by people rebuilding their lives; the only difference there is between me and refugees is pure luck.

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What does HIAS do?

HIAS provides legal assistance, resettlement support, and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers. They help individuals navigate complex immigration systems, find safe housing, access education, and begin working toward independence. Beyond direct aid, they also campaign for fairer policies and fight against xenophobia—promoting kindness and love across borders.

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Your donation in action:

• £10: helps a refugee receive translation services for key documents.

• £25: funds a legal consultation for someone seeking asylum.

• £50: supports a month of housing for a refugee family.

• £100: covers the full legal process for an asylum case.

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Please support HIAS and help give displaced people the safety, dignity, and love they deserve.