About

For the last few years before I left for the UK, I was involved working with asylum seekers and refugees in Melbourne and Perth. The experience opened my eyes to the realities that face people who are forced to flee their homeland for fear of death or torture, something that feels especially relevant in light of current global events. Around the world, there are 45.2 million forcibly displaced people. An average of 23,000 persons per day are forced to leave their homes and seek protection elsewhere, due to conflict and persecution. From now until September 28th, I will be training for my first ever marathon (42km) to raise money for Freedom from Torture, an organisation that provides practical support for refugees, asylum seekers and victims of torture, and works to protect and promote their rights (read more below). Between now and the marathon date, Ill log between 60 70 kilometres (roughly between 6-9 hours) per week, and over 800 kilometres in total, in order to raise as much as I can for the cause. Id be so grateful for donations of any amount, as well as words of encouragement and moral support on my page! Your generous support will make a huge difference to asylum seekers, refugees and victims of torture around the world. Your encouragement and support mean a lot to me, Kate --- Freedom from Torture has enabled thousands of torture survivors to rebuild their lives in incredibly difficult circumstances, and has worked with a wide range of partners to influence government policy and legislation in order to help large numbers of vulnerable people. They have been crucial in supporting gay men tortured in Uganda, victims of sexual violence in Democratic Republic of the Congo and refugees from many countries including Sri Lanka, Iran and Afghanistan, and have worked with the UN and governments around the world to provide real change and accountability. http://www.freedomfromtorture.org/