I'm running my (first ever) half Marathon as part of a staff team at Citizens UK. We've formed to help people fleeing war and persecution due to the Syrian conflict and initially want to help resettle a family in Whitechapel, the home of Citizens UK to show just how easily this can be done.

Community sponsorship is a new way in which ordinary people can take on direct responsibility for welcoming and supporting a vulnerable Syrian refugee family so that they can build their lives in safety and security in neighbourhoods across the UK.   

I am running, with colleague Tim Finch, is part of efforts to raise £10,000 for the sponsorship costs. 

I hope anyone who has seen the horrific images of the Syrian conflict will appreciate the value of a community led welcome scheme that ensures refugees being resettled through the formal process get support from their neighbours in the local community. The rest of Europe is doing their bit, so can we. 

You can read more about Sponsor Refugees website here:

http://www.sponsorrefugees.org/

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