Four dedicated runners—Ana, Eileen, Anna, and Francis—will be running the London Marathon this Sunday to fundraise for JRS UK. The money they are raising will directly support our services in welcoming destitute refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.
A team of refugee friends, volunteers, and staff members will be energetically cheering them on along the 26.2-mile route. And everyone reading this is welcome to join at one or both of our cheering points at Bermondsey (mile 11.5-12) and Mudchute (mile 16-16.5) – an opportunity to meet some of the JRS team – or you may wish to encourage the runners from another vantage point – there is plenty of space along the route!
To prepare to be one of the best cheering crowds at the marathon this year, we all gathered at our Wapping centre earlier this month to make creative posters and signs that we will be holding. We were of course joined by some of our refugee friends who will directly benefit from the funded services that the runners’ campaigns will support.
JRS UK relies on donations from individuals to support our work with destitute asylum seekers through our Centre in Wapping and hardship fund, assisting refugee friends with their basic needs. We provide regular hardship grants to enable people to travel across London to access essential services, to attend immigration, medical and legal appointments, and to buy everyday essential items they may need. Alongside food and clothing, we provide essential toiletries including soap, shampoo, shower-gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, and sanitary towels.
Hardship grants, food and toiletries are given to destitute refugees, who do not receive benefits, have no right to work, and no access to government asylum support. We also offer small grants for educational needs and sometimes assist with exceptional needs.
Help JRS Runners Meet Their Fundraising Targets
