ACN staff and friends to compete for a second time in the British10K London run this weekend.

Staff and friends of Aid to the Church in Need will be dusting off their running shoes again this year as they compete for the second year in a row in the British 10K London run.

ACN UK’s Head of Press and Information John Pontifex will be joined by supporters Kathy, Maria and Juan on Sunday 12^th July to raise money for suffering families in Syria.

Mr Pontifex, who has witnessed the suffering in Syria first hand and is running his fourth race for ACN, said the run was an important way to raise awareness as well as funds.

“The weather’s threatening rain just when we’re running so it’s going to be a bit of a challenge. We’re so close to our final fund-raising target so any last donations would be very gratefully received.”

Families in Syria affected by the violence have been forced to leave their homes and villages and it is thought that as many as 4 million people are internally displaced in the country.

Houses, schools and places of worship have been have been bombed as they are driven out by the Islamic terrorist organisation, Daesh (IS).

As a priority country, ACN has been able to offer emergency aid for displaced people in Syria including food, shelter and pastoral support.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, ACN provided more than £8.5 million (12 million euros) helping the Church in Syria and Iraq.

Marking the 15^th anniversary of the run this year, the route has been adapted to incorporate even more iconic London landmarks including Oxford Circus, St. James's Palace and Big Ben before finishing at Royal Horse Guards & Banqueting House after a final run past the Prime Minister’s residence in Downing Street.

Runners who complete the race will be awarded with a special medal commissioned to mark the anniversary  described as “the best finishers medal of any road race I have ever seen in over 40 years of being involved in athletics” by Event Founder & Director Mike O’Reilly.

ACN has already reached more than 80% of £3,000 target in sponsorship to support future projects in Syria.

If you would like to make a contribution before Sunday’s run, please visit the ACN British 10K London Run 2015 page at https://www.justgiving.com/Team-ACN/ or text LHUU78 to 70070 to donate.