from couch to 26.2 miles!

KRAN fundraiser Felix has always been quite sporty - but admits that he never really enjoyed running. Yet, just six month after starting on the NHS Couch to 5k programme, he is completing his first marathon - and learning to love the sport!

The 23 year old from Hythe, who works for a pharmaceutical company, says: "I decided to challenge myself by signing up to compete in the Bruges Marathon. After identifying a 20-week training programme, the question became which charity I might like to raise money for. 

“I have lived in Kent for nearly all of my life and have long admired the work that KRAN does to support young asylum seekers and refugees. I saw online that the charity is currently working with increasing numbers and that support matters more than ever, so I decided that KRAN would be a more-than-worthy cause for the marathon."

Felix adds: "'Small boats' have become an increasingly divisive issue in the UK, yet I don't view my decision to raise money for KRAN as an inherently political one. 

“KRAN supports people younger than I who are separated from their parents and are fleeing war and persecution. These are children who are far from home and simply want a chance at peace and a better life. They want to learn, be independent and support their communities, and the work that KRAN does helps them to do precisely this. For me it is about compassion and humanity, not politics." 

Despite an unfortunately-timed knee injury, Felix is ready for the race on Sunday (15 October): "Bring it on! That being said, I'm looking forward to taking a little break post-marathon for sure!"

Please show your support for Felix by donating here: bit.ly/3S1XF9D