EDIT: Since you are all such wonderful people, target revised to make a marathonian difference (and I'll match the original) ❤️

Hi Friends,

As some of you may know, I'll be running the Geneva Marathon on May 11th. The reason why I started running was purely for myself, to keep some fragment of my health, escape from daily struggles, and get some of those endorphins. Something clearly worked, as running has developed into an addiction, with a constant desire to go faster and farther. Two years ago, I would've laughed vigorously and probably entered a coughing fit mid-cigarette, had you told me I'd be running a marathon one day, rolling eyes and asking what the point would be. Well here we are. The point is to prove you can accomplish something, get off your ass, and go back to helping others.

With that in mind, beyond running the 42.2k for myself, I would like to run for those that have driven me in both my professional and personal life. Those of you who know me, know that I've been dedicated to combatting anthropogenic climate change. Those who know me better, know that it's not for plants, animals, our ecosystems or our planet: it's for us. Early signs of the human suffering brought upon by our changing climate can be seen across the world, and nowhere is it more present than in drought-prone regions, plagued with conflict and civil strife. Long-story short: the diesel we burn to drive ourselves around the block to buy kiwis flown over from New Zealand, eventually will lead to the displacement of millions, mostly from the Global South to the Global North, including via what us Europeans consider our southern sea.

I firmly believe should take responsibility for these migrations (for more than just the climate reason) and should help. We should help develop ways to adapt. We should help build ways to integrate. And we should help people survive on their journeys. This is where SOS Mediterranée comes in.

"SOS MEDITERRANEE is a humanitarian organization built upon the respect for all individuals and their inherent dignity, irrespective of nationality or origin, social status, religious beliefs, political affiliations, or ethnic identities."

This year I would like to do my little part to support and will double what is raised here. The aim is to raise EUR 421.95, which I will match, and pass on to SOS Mediterranée once I cross the finish line.

Be it selfish or selfless, helping others can only make our world better. So thank you for helping out ❤️

Love,

Tom