Harley Kuyck-Cohen, the manager of a local charity hub, HostNation North East, a befriending scheme for refugees and asylum seekers, is preparing for his first-ever half marathon.

Describing HostNation, he said:

“We match friendly locals and people seeking sanctuary for 1-1 friendships, where they meet flexibly once a week for at least three months. Matched based on shared interests, our friends go to the beach, the Baltic and for coffees in our amazing city – helping people plant roots in the UK.”

When asked how he discovered Action Foundation, he shared “Action Foundation invited me one day to their weekly drop in, where they support refugees and asylum seekers with case work support, signposting to other charities and even free haircuts.”

“They are an incredible asset to Newcastle, and are wonderful partners to HostNation.”

Personal Connection

Harley’s personal connection to the refugee experience, as the child of a Dutch migrant and the partner of a Ukrainian refugee, has surrounded him with stories that affirm the value of a welcoming community when building a life in a new country.

“Working to support refugees and asylum seekers, I feel very strongly that we don’t do enough to make the UK a home for people experiencing forced migration,” Harley explained.

“I had been eager to fundraise and support our great culture of providing sanctuary in the North East, and Action Foundation delivers such a wide impact for people new to the UK.”

Despite being new to long-distance running, Harley’s enthusiasm is palpable.

“This is my first ever half marathon and I’m buzzing for it! I haven’t been running long. It’s great when I’m in the flow, but also totally rubbish when I hurt myself. I was never an athletic kid so I’m always pinching myself that I can run the long distances, which makes me very proud.”

Running for Refugees

Harley has also been a regular at the Action Foundation running club, strengthening his connection with the team.

Harley (centre) with fellow Action Foundation runners, Katie (left) and Rekar (right)

He’s found the fundraising aspect of the experience particularly motivating, having already surpassed her initial goal of £500 to raise over £700. “The moment people start donating, it becomes serious, and it’s a huge motivator for your training,” he said.

As he continues to prepare for the race, Harley reflects, “fundraising for a charity that’s important to you is a real privilege,”. “Think about what is important to you and be ambitious.”

You can learn more about the work HostNation does in the North East by visiting their website and explore the various ways they connect communites and give a voice to refugees on their Instagram and Facebook

Website: HostNation | Helping refugees through friendship

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HostNationUK

Instagram: HostNationNE (@hostnation_ne) • Instagram photos and videos

You can support Harley through his fundraising page below:

https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2024.enthuse.com/pf/harley-kuyck-cohen