I first became involved with Stripey Stork after arriving in the UK as a refugee from Ukraine. Like many families forced to rebuild their lives, my family faced uncertainty and pressure while adjusting to a completely new environment. The support we received from Stripey Stork made a big difference at a time when stability and understanding were needed most.
As I settled into life in Reigate Surrey, I wanted to give something back by fundraising for Stripey Stork and helping other families who are now going through similar challenges. In 2025, I did my first 5k at Run Reigate and with the amazing support from the community, managed to raise over £1k. I had never before experienced such generosity, and a large proportion of donations were from strangers. I vowed to keep fundraising for Stripey Stork, so this year I'm warming up with the Run Gatwick 5k in May, whilst building up to the Run Reigate 10k in September - a first distance for me.
I get to see close up the amazing work Stripey Stork does as I'm a proud member of their Advisory Panel, where I'm able to use my lived-experience to help shape their services and communications. They helped my family during a difficult period and being able to give back means a lot to me.
Thank you!
Sun 20 Sep 2026
Run Gatwick 5k - 10th May / Run Reigate 10k - 20th September
I first became involved with Stripey Stork after arriving in the UK as a refugee from Ukraine. Like many families forced to rebuild their lives, my family faced uncertainty and pressure while adjusting to a completely new environment. The support we received from Stripey Stork made a big difference at a time when stability and understanding were needed most.
As I settled into life in Reigate Surrey, I wanted to give something back by fundraising for Stripey Stork and helping other families who are now going through similar challenges. In 2025, I did my first 5k at Run Reigate and with the amazing support from the community, managed to raise over £1k. I had never before experienced such generosity, and a large proportion of donations were from strangers. I vowed to keep fundraising for Stripey Stork, so this year I'm warming up with the Run Gatwick 5k in May, whilst building up to the Run Reigate 10k in September - a first distance for me.
I get to see close up the amazing work Stripey Stork does as I'm a proud member of their Advisory Panel, where I'm able to use my lived-experience to help shape their services and communications. They helped my family during a difficult period and being able to give back means a lot to me.
Thank you!
