On Saturday 25th of June 2022, I will be running 14km to mark the 14 goals scored by the Ukrainian national team on their journey to the World Cup playoff final.
The link to donate to the wonderful charity British-Ukrainian aid is here.
After the 1-0 loss to Wales in the final, many of the Ukraine players broke down into tears as they applauded their fans in the corner of the Cardiff City Stadium. Yet I was filled with an immense feeling of pride. That group of young men were by far the most courageous individuals I had ever seen take to a football pitch. They are all massive inspirations to those at home, those who continue to battle against the atrocities that are committed against them on a day-to-day basis.
I felt like I had to do something, no matter how small. Therefore, I have decided to push my own limits. I have been a keen runner for a couple of years, and have previously run 10k for the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation. However, I have never attempted any longer distances. To honour the bravery shown by the Ukrainian players as they journeyed thousands of miles from their homes to give their families hope, I will be testing myself to a limit that I have yet to reach.
If you are able to donate, no matter how small the amount, it truly would mean the world to me. This is an incredible cause, and I hope that I can do it justice. I would really love to raise a substantial sum so as to repay the faith in humanity that I have gained from the Ukrainian team’s courage.
Thank you so much for reading. Let’s fight to make the world a better place together.
Written by Jed Vine
