200km January Run for KRAN

Throughout January I plan to run 200k to raise money for Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN). Having recently taken up running to improve physical and mental wellbeing, 200k feels like an ambitious goal which I am determined to achieve.

I attempted this in December 2020 but unfortunately I injured my foot and was regrettably ordered by the doctor to stop. I'm very keen to honor my promise to complete the challenge, so I appreciate your patience and hope to complete my goal in January!

KRAN is a charity that has worked with people who have arrived in Kent as unaccompanied asylum seeking children for the last 17 years. They aim to do all they can to support the amazing young people they work with to be happy, healthy, and to integrate and thrive in our communities. 

Their vision is for young people seeking asylum and as refugees in the UK to be safe, belong and build hope for a better future. KRAN offers essential support to young people who are striving to live fulfilled, independent and successful lives in our communities. 

Currently KRAN is working with an increased number of young people who, once they are refused asylum, find themselves very swiftly discharged from social services care with the result that they have no means of supporting themselves and are facing destitution and homelessness.

In this situation young people have no recourse to public funds so they cannot access any benefits and are no longer looked after by the Local Authority so cease to have a social worker or be provided with housing. These young people are also forbidden from taking employment so cannot support themselves with any legitimate job. The young people have no option but to rely on food bank vouchers and charity.

The current immigration process is extremely harsh and makes this group of young people even more vulnerable. For most we hope the situation will be temporary and KRAN wants to help the young people over this difficult period as best it can. The money I am raising will go straight to KRAN’s Destitution Fund , which acts as a lifeline to these young people to ensure that they are offered support and a positive future.

I know times are difficult for many, and not everyone will be able to donate to this appeal. But if you are able to donate, or to share this appeal with your friends, you will be helping to ensure that KRAN can continue helping young refugees in Kent to have their most basic needs met.

You can follow KRAN for further updates on the work they do -> https://www.facebook.com/kentrefugeeactionnetwork/

https://www.instagram.com/kentrefugeeactionnetwork/

https://www.twitter.com/_KRAN_