Fundraising Stories

Taking the plunge - Anna swam the equivalent of the English Channel in support of refugees:

'Swimming is such a powerful symbol of many refugees’ escape from the horrors of their homelands. I worked out the distance of the Channel crossing equalled 1,352 lengths of my local pool and over 10 days that’s swimming 2.5 hours every day. I haven’t swum since school, and was told, you’re going to struggle. I did the whole challenge in breaststroke so, on day one, shoulder ache set in at about 80 lengths. I’d asked friends to contribute lengths then share the fundraising page, which grew the donation network so the total got bigger and bigger. Every day I posted asylum seekers’ stories to make it real. We’re so confident in this country that we would never be in that boat as I’m sure some of those people in them have also been in their lifetime. This wasn’t just about attempts to cross the Channel but all these dangerous routes that are people’s last options. To me, Amnesty stands for humanity and shows up when people are treated unfairly or have no voice. Part of its work is to call for countries to provide safe and legal migration routes. We raised £3,400 which was way more than I expected. I know the money will go a long way to help people we’ve never met but whose lives are the worth the same as ours.'

English teacher, Emily, ran the Royal Parks Half inspired by her mum's Amnesty actions in the 80s:

'I grew up in a family involved in activism. There was a clear sense that equality doesn’t just happen – we all need to demand it. We had a poster up in our house with a quote from Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Friere: ‘Washing one’s hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.’ That has stayed with me. My mum is an Amnesty legend. In the 1980s, she wrote letters of action and always explained to me and my sister the human rights abuses Amnesty was seeking to stop. I donate part of my monthly income to Amnesty as a way to make change. This is how loyalty to an important charity and cause can be shared and spread. I have run off and on over the years, but this was my first half marathon for 10 years. On race day I liked the live music with the Samba band and steel pans and the Amnesty cheering squad but what motivated me was sheer bloody-mindedness and my sponsors. I see fighting for justice and equality as fundamental to my work as an English teacher and my driving motivation. I try to make sure that every decision I make leads to improved equality, and I encourage students to consider their power in the world. It’s part of my job'

People see the Amnesty logo – and cheer! Iranian activist, academic and writer Hossein has taken on a year of running and cycling for Amnesty.

"I joined Amnesty in 2006 while writing my PhD on architecture and human rights in Ankara, Türkiye. I trained as a campaigner, lobbyist and educator, becoming Amnesty Türkiye’s national coordinator for human rights education. We led workshops for groups often sceptical of human rights – from prison guards to religious leaders – and I saw the impact. After moving to the UK to teach architecture at Coventry University, I looked for a new way to stay active in the movement. My first run for Amnesty was the 2024 Great Birmingham Run. I thought, I shouldn’t stop. Every time I run, people see the Amnesty logo and cheer. It starts conversations. It reminds them that Amnesty exists.

Since then, I’ve completed 13 races including the Brighton Marathon. Facing the Istanbul Half Marathon after the earthquake was an emotional reckoning. Next is the London to Brighton cycle and the Yorkshire Marathon. I train with a local club of 250 members, and my family. Running is part of how I live my activism. My focus goes beyond war and political prisoners. I’m concerned about climate justice, environmental protection and global inequality. We have a huge amount of humanity suffering from hunger, no shelter or education. Economic, social and cultural rights – we need to increase our activism around these."

If you wish to add your story here, get in touch!

Contact our Community and Events Fundraising Team who will be able to provide you with further information. We will be more than happy to assist.

Email: team@amnesty.org.uk