Hello! My name is Freya, and on May 10th, 2025, I’ll be taking on the Yosemite Half Marathon — not just as a personal challenge, but to raise awareness and funds for a cause that means a great deal to me: Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE).

Starting off as not being much of a runner, this has been a difficult, but rewarding, challenge. Yosemite and Bass Lake have always been special to me; I used to travel to Yosemite and Bass Lake frequently, worked there for a summer, and it is also where my late uncle was based. Therefore, this inspired me to sign up for this particular race.

But this run is about more than just me.

As a legal professional with a passion for human rights and criminal justice, I have always admired the work of COPE. The organisation helps create systemic change across Europe to better support children who have a parent in prison — an often invisible group facing stigma, emotional hardship and social exclusion.

My connection to COPE began during an internship, where I helped promote the “Not My Crime, Still My Sentence” campaign — a powerful initiative highlighting the impact of imprisonment on children. Over the past year, I have continued working with COPE as the co-coordinator of their Gender Working Group, focusing on how gender shapes and compounds the experience of those affected by imprisonment. These roles have deepened my commitment to advocating for vulnerable and marginalized communities, especially children who are often left behind by social systems.

So, I’m running this half marathon to raise vital funds for COPE’s work — helping ensure that children with an imprisoned parent are seen, supported and given the opportunities they deserve. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference. If you’re able to contribute or share this campaign, I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you for supporting me on this journey — and more importantly, for supporting children.