Hi, I’m Féidhlim McGowan, a Sligo man currently based at the University of Nottingham. On Sunday 28th April I’ll be running the London Marathon in aid of a charity called Samos Volunteers (SV). I became familiar with the important work this charity does through a good friend and current SV board member Donal (Donie) Brady.

SV is a non-profit organisation that aims to support and empower some of the 4000 people living in and around one of Europe’s largest refugee camps. SV provides psychosocial support, and operates facilities and activities to combat boredom and instill some sense of normality for the people in the camp.

My 26.2-mile journey will undoubtedly be a gruelling one, but it is nothing compared to the treacherous journey undertaken by the thousands of men, women, and children who have entered Europe in the hope of finding peace and freedom.

I’m aiming to raise €2,250 (that's £1,945 or $2500) as this amount will cover one month's rent and running costs for the Alpha community centre and the laundry station.

Any donation would be greatly appreciated. If you are not in a position to donate financially, do feel free to share my campaign, or check out SV’s social media channels to stay up to date with a crisis which is being regrettably overlooked by our media.

READ THIS BIT PLEASE: If you do decide to donate please be careful when selecting your payment method. There are two options; make a one-off payment or a recurring donation. Thanks a million :)