Each year, Action Foundation takes part in the Great North Run in its home city of Newcastle, with a dedicated group of participants eager to run and raise money for refugees.
This year, #TeamActionFoundation has exceeded its usual charity spot allocations, filling a total of 25 spaces.
In a thoughtful gesture to bring people closer together, Action Foundation has offered four of these spots, free of charge, to individuals with lived experience of the asylum system, who also volunteer at the charity.
Meet Tatiana
Tatiana first connected with Action Foundation through a friend at City Church, where Action Foundation is also based.
This relationship blossomed into a meaningful support network for her and her husband. “My husband and I love going to the cooking sessions,” she shared. “The team makes us feel very welcome.”
Her decision to run for Action Foundation was simple. “Firstly, for myself, because I love to run,” she said.
Running has long been a passion for Tatiana, who completed her first half marathon in her home city of Cali, Colombia, four years ago.
Since then, her training has remained consistent. “At home, I do a lot of functional fitness and I go running a few times a week, usually 5-7 kilometres.”
But this year’s GNR represents more than just a race; it’s a way to give back to the community that welcomed her.
“My friend at City Church began visiting the asylum hotel my husband and I were staying at, and we began running on Tuesday nights,” she added.
“When the hotel closed, my friend connected me with Action Foundation, and I was happy to hear they also had a running group.”
Andres, Tatiana’s husband, stands on the left alongside Tatiana, and their friend Jonah, who is the Refugee Welcome Manager of City Church.
Meet Salih
Originally from Sudan, Salih is one of Action Foundation’s newest members, having joined the InterAction team earlier this year.
“I have been amazed by the organised work and support services,” he said. “I realised my skills could be very helpful and could also be developed.”
Salih now volunteers as an interpreter, providing vital support to others who are navigating the asylum process.
Salih enjoys a game of air hockey during an Action Foundation drop-in session.
When asked why he was eager to participate in the Great North Run alongside fellow refugees, he shared,
“Helping others and believing in fitness align with my core values. It’s an incredible opportunity to bring us closer together, to unite, and to grow stronger as a community.”
This will be Salih’s first half marathon. “It is good to set new limits, to have another challenge and score new goals,” he said.
A natural runner, Salih has already participated in several park runs and 10 kilometre challenges. “The training is going smoothly although it is challenging sometimes. I have made huge progress since I signed up for the GNR, it keeps me alive and motivated.”
Meet Kasra
Kasra’s involvement with Action Foundation began three years ago when a friend mentioned the charity’s need for volunteers.
Since then, he has been an active interpreter, contributing his time and skills to support clients in Action Foundation’s Thursday Drop-in.
Kasra has also helped in organising various fundraising activities, including a zip line over the Tyne bridge. He has also spoken on discussion panels and delivered speeches at networking events.
Kasra speaking at an Action Foundation fundraising event.
Running the GNR is a natural extension of his commitment to the cause.
“I’m a sport person and I would like to run and raise some money for Action Foundation and be part of this big charity half marathon in my city.”
Though this will be his first half marathon, Kasra is no stranger to physical activity. Kasra began his sports journey in his home country of Iran, where he professionally cycled.
Now, his training routine includes badminton, tennis, and gym sessions, though he admits that running hasn’t been his primary focus yet.
“I haven’t done that much running training, but I’ll have to do it some day!” he joked.
Meet Rekar
Rekar’s story with Action Foundation began when he lived in one of the charity’s properties after fleeing Iraq.
Now, as a volunteer with the Language & Learning and Business Development teams, he continues to give back to the organisation that once supported him.
His decision to participate in the GNR was sparked by a bit of encouragement.
“One of the lovely staff members encouraged me to do it. It’s good for your body and mind while running.”
Rekar, left, helping one of Action Foundation’s English classes.
Rekar is preparing for his first half marathon with the support of his fellow teammates.
“It’s going well,” he shared. “I go for a run once a week, and I also attend the Action Foundation running club. It’s a great initiative to bring people together.”
“Being in the asylum system myself, I empathize deeply with my teammates, and this race is a way for us to support each other. We’re running to help others, to live like normal people, and to remind everyone that we all deserve to be treated equally.”
You can support all our lived experience clients through their fundraising pages below
Tatiana: Action Foundation: Tatiana’s page (enthuse.com)
Salih: Action Foundation: S A M Salih page (enthuse.com)
