Preparing to run the London Marathon 2020 for the first time, Alannah Booth, 29, hosted a Pub quiz and raffle night in Tooting to raise much needed funds and awareness of JRS UK.
When asked why she wanted to run the marathon in aid of JRS UK, Alannah said: “Having been exposed to the hardships of our brothers and sisters back home (South Africa), the work that JRS UK do hit home with me. Moving over to London, I was welcomed by my friends and family and immediately found myself in a supportive community. I could not imagine what it must feel like to leave your home and family and arrive to a country only to be met with more difficulties or to not feel welcomed.”
Alannah’s is running the marathon to support the key services of JRS UK to continue. The specific needs include:
- the Day Centre which serves more than 200 refugee friends with warm meals, toiletries, travel grants, legal advice and emotional support through accompaniment and casework
- Detention Outreach which supports people currently detained in Heathrow Immigration Removal Centres through visits, pastoral care, practical support such as phone cards and help contacting solicitors or referrals to other specialist help
- Post-Detention support for those released from Detention and resettling in London
- The At Home hosting scheme which aims to find short term accommodation with a volunteer host for refugees who are street homeless
Fueled by her gratitutde for community and her hope for refugees in a new country, Alannah gathered almost 100 friends, family and friends of friends to come along to a Pub Quiz and Raffle night to learn about the work of JRS UK and raise money for our ongoing services.
Upon learning about JRS UK’s Creative Arts group, Alannah asked one of our refugee friends to display his painting during her Fundraiser night and present it to one of the winners of the quiz. Gathering almost 100 friends, friends of friends, and family, Alannah raised more than £2,000 for JRS UK, and we can’t be more grateful for her dedication and effort to supporting destitute refugees in the UK.
Due to recent events, April’s London Marathon has been postponed – however you can still support Alannah and contribute to the work of JRS UK by donating to her fundraising page.
April’s London Marathon has been postponed and rearranged for 4 October because of the coronavirus outbreak.
You can still support Alannah and the JRS runners’ hard work so far by visiting their fundraising page.
