I am not a runner, but that didn’t stop me running 47km for Turkey & Syria

Hi I’m Robbie, Creative Producer at Wild Film. I’m not a runner but I love a challenge. On February 19th, I set out to run of 47km to raise funds for the DEC — Turkey and Syria Appeal. My goal was to just keep running until the distance was complete and draw attention to the urgent need for support for those regions.

I wanted to run 47km to symbolise the 47,000 people who had lost their lives due to the earthquake, at the time of my run. Every thousand metres represented a thousand lives lost, making it a sad reminder of the impact on people’s lives. Just to put it into perspective, that is 5km further than a marathon (and I had done no prior training). Despite this, I was determined to complete it and raise funds for this important cause.

Throughout my run, I thought about those affected by the earthquake and the challenges they face every day. The DEC — Turkey and Syria Appeal provides vital aid and support to those affected, including access to clean water, shelter, and medical care. Every donation goes towards supporting these efforts and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. The UK Government have also stated that they will double any donation given so even more of a reason to support.

Although the run was a personal challenge for me, the cause was always at the forefront of my mind. The earthquake in Turkey and Syria has had a devastating impact on millions of people, including children, and the situation remains critical. By running 47km, I wanted to raise awareness of the ongoing crisis and encourage others to support the DEC — Turkey and Syria Appeal.

As I approached the 42km marker, which is a full marathon, I really started to hurt. My knees were destroyed and my hips were throbbing. The last 5km was one of the most painful things I’ve ever experienced. I wasn’t sure if I would finish on multiple occasions. Slowly but surely, I put one foot in front of the other and eventually got to the finish line.

Undertaking a challenge like this required so much more than just the physical aspects. For six and a half hours I pushed myself to the absolute limit and then some. I’m proud of what I achieved through sheer mental strength, resilience and determination. I’ve learnt that setting your mind on a goal can push you way beyond your own limits.

I hope that my efforts have helped to make a positive impact and support those in need. I urge everyone to consider donating to this important cause and to help make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this natural disaster.

Thank you to everyone who has donated already and for all your support.