A SYRIAN refugee will run Swindon Half Marathon today alongside a volunteer from the town's asylum seeker and refugee charity, The Harbour Project.

Ahmad Abdo, 17, who fled war torn Syria in 2012, is preparing for the 13.1 mile course with Richard Cox, 27, who's hoping to raise money for Harbour's visitor services.

The charity supports asylum seekers and refugees who have been transferred to Swindon by the Home Office following their arrival and registration in the UK.

“The first family I met in the UK was The Harbour Project. When I had no family, Harbour was there for me and I am sure they will help others,” said Ahmad, of Queens Drive.

“It’s really, really important to fund Harbour to continue their work."

Richard, who lives in Old Town, said: “We're running together because we recognise the difference Harbour makes to people like Ahmad, who have escaped persecution in their home countries.”

"Fear of persecution is at the root of this issue and we must remember how serious that is.

“It's important to me that we stand together with people who've felt no option but to leave behind everything they love in hope of finding safety.”

The runners are hoping to raise £500 for The Harbour Project and appeal to any supporters who can help them reach their target.

You can donate at: localgiving.com/fundraising/running-for-refugees St Joseph’s Catholic College teacher Teresa Ash is also raising money for those affected by overseas crises today.

Teresa is raising money for CAFOD, the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, for more information and to donate, visit: justgiving.com/Teresa-ash

Organisers have thanked Swindon business PrePay Solutions for sponsoring the corporate team challenge.

Julian Brand, PrePay company secretary, said: “Within PrePay Solutions we encourage people to do fun things they haven’t done before, and that includes taking on challenges like the Swindon Half.

“We wanted to get more people running and so we started a company running club, and so getting more businesses to enter the half marathon was a good fit with this.”

  • Tweet #swindonhalf on Sunday and don't miss our eight-page supplement in Monday's Adver, with reports, photos and complete list of results