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Our CEO Chris Reid has decided to run a marathon in Manchester on the 3rd April to help raise money for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, helping to support those in Ukraine who have been affected by the Russian invasion.

He has already surpassed his fundraising goal of £1000 however any support you can give to this cause would be amazing. We sat down to ask him a little bit more about his upcoming marathon…

1. Why have you decided to fundraise?

I’ve taken part in a number of events over recent years including triathlons, 1/2 marathons, 10 km races etc but have typically taken part for personal reasons rather than to raise funds for charity events. Like many of us, I’ve been profoundly affected by the recent invasion of Ukraine by the Russians and felt compelled to do something to help. 

Intense conflict in Ukraine is threatening the lives and livelihoods of civilians across the country, causing hundreds of thousands to flee. Homes have been destroyed or are unsafe to live in. Essential services have been hit. Families have been separated. People have been injured. Lives have been lost.

Heavy fighting, shelling and airstrikes across Ukraine have had devastating consequences for ordinary people. Half a million people have fled the country in recent days, and many more have had to leave their homes to escape the fighting.

At Ukraine’s borders with Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, huge numbers of people are arriving with only what they can carry. In many places there are long waits to cross and scant facilities waiting for them on the other side, with temperatures dropping below freezing overnight.I started initially with a fundraising target of £1000 and I’ve been overwhelmed by the response from my network. I’m delighted to say that target was achieved in just 10 days.

2. What are you doing to raise money?

I’m taking part in the Manchester Marathon on April 3rd – it’s my first ever marathon and the training has been harder than I expected (especially with the terrible weather we’ve had over recent weeks) – thankfully, the Manchester Marathon is supposed to be the flattest race in the country and most of my training has taken place on the hills and fells around Pendle so, hopefully, this should make the 26.2 mile race a little bit easier 🙂

3. How will the money you raise help Ukraine?

I’ve chosen to support DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and across the border in the neighbouring countries. They are working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing with food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.

Even a small donation can provide much-needed assistance to those devastated by the invasion:

• £30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for three people for one month
• £50 could provide blankets for four families to keep them warm
• £100 could provide emergency food for two families for one month

Please donate through the JustGiving link if you’d to show your support…