British Red Cross raises a record £1.5m as public shows solidarity with refugees and those seeking asylum

• This year’s mass participation fundraising event Miles for Refugees has raised a record £1.5 million so far for the British Red Cross’ work with refugees in the UK
• Miles for Refugees supporters are sponsored to walk, swim, cycle or move in any way throughout the month of September to clock up the miles and raise money to support refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK
• In just its fourth year, and with support from celebrities such as actress Cush Jumbo, comedian Josie Long, and author Bella Mackie, it’s a demonstration of solidarity with refugees and people seeking asylum, in contrast with some aspects of public debate
• The money raised will support people who have fled conflict, violence, persecution and hunger to rebuild their lives with the basics like food and clothes
• It will also help them stay safe and prevent them from falling into destitution as they navigate the complex asylum system

In its biggest and best year yet, Miles for Refugees, a fundraising initiative for the British Red Cross, has raised more than £1.5 million through generous donations from the public, and more is expected to come with sponsorship pages open until the end of October. With more participants than ever, 7,425 people signed up to run, walk, cycle and swim during September to raise money for those fleeing conflict, violence, persecution and hunger to rebuild their lives in the UK.

Star of C4 shows The Good Wife and Deadwater Fell Cush Jumbo, comedian Josie Long, and author Bella Mackie also backed the fundraiser to get moving for those whose lives are in limbo, having survived all kinds of dangers when forced to leave their home.

Bex Turner from Menai Bridge in Anglesey pledged to run 108 miles throughout September in support of the fundraiser. A marine biologist who took up running during lockdown, Bex said: “It feels wonderful to have completed the challenge and I am super happy to have reached my target of £1000 raised for Miles for Refugees, an incredible cause. I am so grateful to everyone who donated to or shared my fundraising page, their kindness and generosity will make such a difference.”

Paul Amadi, Chief Supporter Officer at British Red Cross, said, “When so many people have been hit so hard by coronavirus, this is a really humbling achievement by all the participants and everyone who sponsored them.  Thank you so much to everyone who took part, I’m so proud of what we have all done together, and I’m excited to see if we can top this next year!”

In 2019, British Red Cross refugee service supported 38,900 people in the UK, and this year they have been supporting people in the asylum system and refugees throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The support from participants and everyone who has sponsored them has come as debates about Channel crossings and support for people seeking safety in the UK have dominated the news agenda.

The money raised will go towards supporting refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. From providing people with the basics – like food and clothes – to supporting them through the complex asylum application process, it will help people to stay safe and prevent them from falling into destitution.

Ian Weaver, Refugee Support service manager said: “This show of solidarity, let alone the incredible amount of money raised, will have a huge impact on the people we support. We all have to remember these are people who have been forced to make dangerous and desperate journeys, fleeing unimaginable horrors, such as war and persecution. The money raised will help the British Red Cross make refugees and people seeking asylum feel welcome and supported, and help them to rebuild their lives here.”