My Story

I am running the Bristol Half Marathon in May and fundraising for Student Action for Refugees (STAR). 

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a more understanding and just society where people from refugee and asylum seeking backgrounds are welcomed in the UK and working to improve access to higher education for students from refugee backgrounds. 

STAR groups are based at universities across the UK and everyday come together to take part in incredible work with the aim of welcoming refugees and people seeking asylum. From running projects in their local communities, to combatting harmful narratives and misinformation, to educating peers and campaiging for change in policy.

STAR also does incredible work advocating for improving access to higher education for applicants from displaced backgrounds. Through hosting information and guidance sessions, organising a mentoring programme to support people through the university application process, working with universities to improve scholarship support and making their campuses a place of sanctuary, and more, STAR works to make Higher Education more accessible and welcoming.

I have seen first hand the amazing work that the STAR community does in welcoming people from refugee and asylum seeking backgrounds in their communities. It is inspiring to see the dedication and commitment to the cause and encouraging to know that everyday the STAR community across the UK comes together and shows that refugees are welcome here.

It is a movement I am proud to be fundraising for. Every penny will help to support this movement of welcome across the UK, so thank you in advance for whatever you can contribute. Please consider donating or sharing with your networks. Thank you!