This year, three dedicated students from John Snow College at Durham University are taking on the iconic half marathon for #TeamActionFoundation. 

We were thrilled to be chosen as John Snow's charity partner for their spectacular Fashion Show 2025.  After pulling off a whole string of brilliantly creative fundraising stunts in the run-up (think 24 hour danceathon's, darts tournaments and more) this unstoppable team isn't slowing down. Next up, they're lacing up their trainers and taking on the Great North Run in our name! 

Meet the amazing trio: Munya, Sophie and Thomas 

Meet Munya 

Munya on the catwalk

Munya, a Finance student, first heard about Action Foundation when we became John Snow's chosen charity for the 2025 Fashion Show. A model in the show, Munya says:  "I read the stories of the life-changing work the charity does and knew I wanted to make a difference." 

 "It's important to me to help raise awareness and money for a cause that is underrepresented in the North East."

"Coming from an immigrant family myself, those who have not been blessed with the choice to move countries – but forced to flee for any reason – deserve an equal and fair opportunity at a fresh start."

At the start of the year, Munya told his coach that he wanted to run a sub-1:30 half marathon without anything booked, so it felt like fate.

He added, "After modelling in the fashion show, it was the perfect way to continue representing JSCFS." 

Munya is no stranger to sport. He's always been incredibly active and used to enjoy short-distance sprints. Munya progressed to running his local Parkrun but it wasn't until he began training with Durham University Athletics and Cross Country that he truly began enjoying running. He credits both the variety of sessions, his coach Cian and the camaraderie of his teammates for keeping him motivated. 

He had his first race this year at York Even Splits 5k, achieving a personal best of 21:47. Rather than resting on the improvement, he knew he could do better.

"Running is not a comparison sport against others but a race against yourself," he explains.

Munya, centre, with other models

Munya is now deep in a 16-week training plan. His goal is ambitious. He aims to beat his previous half marathon time of 1:55 by over 26 minutes, aiming for a sub-1:30.

"Having a great training program and all the knowledge I have gained this year, I'm looking to beat my previous half marathon time. Realistically anything between 1:29 – 1:35 and I'll be very ecstatic." 

As for what's in his ears? Some days, Munya enjoys a call with family or some classic Lana del Rey. On other days, it's a high-energy playlist full of rock guitar solos, WWE walk out songs, or TikToks from David Goggins. 

We'll make sure our speaker is fully charged for the day, Munya!

Meet Sophie

Sophie has just finished her first year of Geography. Originally from a small countryside village in the South of England, she was always drawn to the North and says Durham has proven to be the perfect fit, offering opportunities like the Great North Run. 

Sophie's New Year Resolution was to apply for the race through the general ballot and once she heard she could run for our charity, she jumped at the chance. 

"Action Foundation makes life-changing efforts to help vulnerable people feel part of their community, something everyone should have the right to experience.  As an individual striving for social justice and equity, I am proud to represent such an outstanding charity and hope my contribution can help the work they do."

Sophie's bake sale

Sophie has been hard at work to meet her fundraising target. She held a charity bake sale at John Snow College, making brownies, Nutella cookies, lemon drizzle, flapjack, rice crispy cakes and shortbread, raising a whopping £350! 

Inspired by the London Olympics, she first took up athletics aged just seven, competing at county and English Schools level in both track and cross country. Sadly, health setbacks forced her to step back in 2022, but the Great North Run marks her return.  

She admits, "I haven't got a structured training plan leading up to the event, I am just running varying distances through the week. I have used this opportunity to try out lots of new routes in varying directions from Durham city centre, which has been lovely!" 

Sophie adds: "I stand here today not only to prove wrong those who doubted my recovery, but for myself because I've always had a passion for the outdoors and for running."  

We can't wait to cheer her over the finish line! 

Meet Thomas

Running has been part of Thomas's life since his early teens. He used to head out most evenings after school, but football eventually took over. The Economics and Politics student credits Durham University for reigniting his passion. Joining the John Snow Running Club got him back on track. The Great North Run will be his first half marathon and he hopes it will be his first of many. 

He is proud to run for Action Foundation.  

"I believe everyone deserves the chance to lead a better life with a fresh beginning. Refugees and asylum seekers face several systemic obstacles that are incredibly challenging and get in the way of their chances of leading a life that they deserve.

"I find Action Foundation's mission highly important, especially given the current global state of affairs. Helping people become independent and lead better lives is something I really wanted to be part of."

Thomas runs four times per week. He admits the summer break has made it harder to stay accountable without his college friends around, but he's sticking with it. He prefers to run without music, enjoying the peace, and is most looking forward to 'running alongside so many other racers and experiencing the amazing atmosphere from supporters.' 

John Snow students at the fashion show

Good Luck Thomas!

Donate

We're so proud of our student fundraisers going the extra (13.1) miles for our charity! Donate to their pages here:

Munya: Action Foundation: Munya's page

Sophie: Action Foundation: Sophie's page

Thomas: Action Foundation: Tom's page