Our incredible team of 35 runners is taking on the London Marathon this April – the largest team we’ve had to date – to raise funds for JRS UK!
Barbara and Dunstan’s connection began at Farm Street Church, where they are both part of the young adult’s choir. This April, they’ll trade hymn sheets for running shoes as they tackle the ultimate challenge of the London Marathon.
Why are you running for JRS UK?
Barbara: Prior to moving to London, I worked in humanitarian aid across Africa and Asia, including regions from which JRS’ refugee friends have fled. So, I feel a closeness to this group and the work JRS UK does.
I’ve also previously volunteered with JRS UK, teaching piano to some of the women at Emilie House. These encounters have deepened my empathy for the hardships refugees face – both in fleeing their homes and in adjusting to life in the UK.
So, knowing JRS UK, and seeing the opportunity to help refugee friends further, I decided to sign up to fundraise by running the London Marathon.
I think it’s a meaningful way to act in solidarity. I believe we are called to share our talents. That’s inspired by my faith – asking, ‘What gifts do I have, and how can I offer them to others?’
Dunstan: As part of my training within the Jesuit formation, I’ve been working with JRS UK for the past year, creating spaces of encounter, trust, and understanding between refugees and local people. I’m learning what it means to be part of the Jesuit tradition and finding my place within it.
There’s a phrase about a Jesuits being ‘a man for others and a man with others.’ JRS UK is a place where I can be with people in their initiatives and endeavours.
I’ve attended the London Marathon to cheer on the JRS UK team in the past, and the sense of togetherness was so inspiring. I wanted to be one of the runners this year!
You’ve both referenced your faith motivating you to accompany refugees: can you tell us more?
Dunstan: I suppose there are some phrases from my faith tradition which are important to me. One of these is, “Love one another.” Another is, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.”
I want to live a life of love. A life where I am, in some way, close to people who are seeking refuge.
Barbara: Yeah, I think my faith inspires me to act and to consider what actions I’m taking and the impact they have on people. Young professionals can be quite busy and time-poor.
I’m not always able to participate in activities with refugee friends because they’re often during the day when I’m working. So, this is an opportunity to still support the mission of JRS UK in a way that fits with the schedule I have.
I think my faith is really the inspiration to accompany refugees, and running the London Marathon and fundraising for the work of JRS UK is one way to do it.
How is training going?
Barbara: I was really proud of myself in early January when it was sub-zero temperatures, and I still went out for a run. Or when I was back home in Canada over Christmas—I went out for a run in the snow on Christmas Day. I was really happy with myself for being able to do that.
Dunstan: My training is coming along slowly! I’m sticking to my 16-week plan, which I downloaded from the London Marathon website.
I used to run regularly in school and at university, even joining a local running club. But when I started working, I fell out of the habit. More recently my runs have been sporadic and undisciplined, so it’s been useful sticking to a plan.
It’s a gradual process of building up the capacity to run again, and that’s been really nice.
Barbara: Getting above the 10k mark in training was a highlight, because I hadn’t run more than 10k in years. So just realising, “this is a quarter of a marathon! I’ll be fine, I just have to do this four times!” was encouraging.
Whenever I reach a new distance – which in our long runs now is happening every week – it’s very satisfying.
Dunstan: Running these distances is challenging, but being part of something like JRS brings joy and peace. There’s a real sense of community, and that’s been inspiring throughout this journey.”
Who will cross the finish line first?
Barbara: “I thought I had a chance until Dunstan revealed his whole running history! Running is in his blood. He’s been doing it since he was small. But, if we get an April snowstorm, then I have a chance!”
Help JRS UK Runners Meet Their Fundraising Targets
