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I have decided, against all common logic from people who have seen me run, to take part in the Guernsey Marathon on October 25th and I will be raising money for Alsama, a fund organised by members of Capital Kids Cricket whom I had the privilege of meeting during my 6 months in Beirut. This fund aims to provide regular food packages over the next 6 months to 250 at risk families, including both Syrian refugees and Lebanese families who are living below the poverty line. Over the last few years, Beirut and Lebanon has been suffering through a variety of issues encompassing ineffective government, immense wealth disparity, low employment rates and an infrastructure still in recovery from a decade-long civil war. On top of this, the country has been called upon to take in millions of refugees from the surrounding countries, placing additional pressure on a country already on the brink. Compounding the stress is COVID-19 which has created a desperate need for international help. If that wasn't bad enough, the explosion destroyed the major port in Lebanon, through which they import the majority of the food they need in order to survive. When I was in Beirut on my year abroad, I was struck by the immense durability of spirit and hospitality shown by the Lebanese people, who created an incredibly welcoming atmosphere, making our time in the country defined by positive memories and experiences. This durability of spirit has been shown over the last week to an unfathomable extent but they desperately need outside help. Alsama is a charitable fund set up by an incredible group of people whom I had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with personally. They have, over the last few years, aimed to set up free cricket coaching for underprivileged kids living in the Shatila refugee camp and in the Beqaa Valley, providing opportunities to the local children. Having interacted with these people and the children they aim to help, I was struck by the inimitable and infectious joy that they were able to create in all around them. If you could please help in any way to support these desperate families, you will be aiding in the rebuilding process.

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