On the 30th August, I will be running 5k as part of the ‘Løp for Ukrainas Helter’ in Bergen. The run is an annual event to commemorate those who have given their lives in defence of Ukraine. Along the way, I hope to do some small fundraising for medical support for Ukraine via the United24 initiative.

Shortly after the run was announced I found out that a dear friend of my partner's family, uncle Ruslan, was severely wounded whilst taking prisoners on the front line in Ukraine.

Sadly, it was impossible to save Ruslan's leg, resulting in an amputation. He is now finally away from the front and receiving medical care. Though it is early days, his spirits are high and he is already making jokes with friends and family about his condition.

With such a life-altering injury and a wife and young daughter to support, my original intention was to fundraise directly for him. However, for the time being his situation is stable and he is being taken care of as well as can be hoped given the circumstances. On his behalf, I've decided to use the run to show not just solidarity but more concrete support.

Any money raised will go towards ambulances, hospitals and medical equipment that will save lives in Ukraine. As this has all happened rather quickly, I don’t expect to raise much. However, given the circumstances, this felt like the least I could do to show support for Ruslan and a people suffering for the simple crime of wanting their children to have a better, freer life than they did.

…that is, provided my creaky joints hold up to the sudden strain.

Find out more at https://u24.gov.ua/