On the sunny morning of 27th September, Team JRS UK took to the streets of central London to stand in solidarity with refugees. Our amazing team of runners – Fran from Thinking Faith, John from Jesuit Young Adult Ministries, and 6 Jesuit novices Anton, Francois, Greg, Paul, Petr, and Stepan – were taking on the challenge of running the Vitality London 10K in order to raise vital funds for people seeking sanctuary.
The course began on The Mall, passing Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, before finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. There was something particularly powerful about running in a JRS UK top past some of the places where decisions that shape the lives of people seeking safety are made, especially as the race fell on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Just a few days before, JRS UK was at 10 Downing Street handing in hundreds of postcards from our Welcome the stranger: Defend the right to asylum campaign that saw Christian organisations and communities across the country calling on the government to restore the right to asylum, put dignity and protection at the heart of the asylum system, and end immigration detention.
“Everyone’s cheering you on to do your best”
On Sunday, staff and runners met before the race to share encouragement. There were staff members stationed at different points along the course to cheer runners on, and after the race, we all celebrated the runners’ great achievement together in Green Park.
Making a real impact for people seeking sanctuary
Together, our runners raised over £1300 to support refugees experiencing destitution in the UK. Every donation helps provide food, clothing, and other essentials like mobile phone top-ups, nappies, and sanitary products to people seeking safety.
It also goes towards providing accommodation, English classes, and legal support to help people navigate the asylum system.
Inspired by our runners? Take on your own Challenge Event!
On Sunday 4th April 2027, Team JRS UK will take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon – will you join us?
Register your interest in the London Landmarks Half Marathon
Your £350 fundraising target could help us deliver:
- Essential toiletries for 21 of our refugee friends for a month
- 17 hardship grants so refugee friends can afford food, pay for travel to medical and legal appointments, and do laundry
- 58 hot meals at our social drop-in
- More nights of safe and stable accommodation for refugees at risk of homelessness
- English classes to help people as they rebuild their lives in the UK
Joining a challenge event for JRS UK means being part of the team from the moment you sign up to the moment you cross the finish line. When you run with JRS UK, you’ll get fundraising support, resources to help you prepare, and plenty of encouragement from the team right up to race day.
