The Heroes Running 170km for Refugees
It’s nearly that time of year again… The Derby 10K is coming up on Sunday 6th April and Upbeat Communities is proud to be cheering on our team of 19 runners!
In total, they’ll run nearly 170km for refugees. So far, they’ve raised over £1,800 towards our work welcoming refugees.
We asked some of them to share what inspired them to run and fundraise.
Diarko
“Upbeat helped me with everything. I am so happy. People were very kind to me.”
Diarko’s Story
Diarko came to the UK a year ago after fleeing persecution in his home country. So that we keep him safe, we can’t show his face, but he shared some of his story and why he’s taking part in the Derby 10K this year:
“Before Upbeat I was not happy – I was sad. But coming to Upbeat, I met the Upbeat staff and they helped me in the English class, they helped me to apply for college and to get the help I needed from the doctor.
My favourite thing is meeting new people and playing games. Upbeat helped me with everything. I am so happy. People were very kind to me.
I want to run the Derby 10K because I like to run; I like to walk; I like to be always moving. It’s relaxing for me.
Soon, I want to start volunteering at Upbeat because I like to work. I like to keep active and to keep busy. I like this opportunity to help other people who come to Upbeat Communities.”
Diarko is joined by Joseph, also an Upbeat participant, who raised over £300 in the Derby 10K last year. He enjoyed the experience so much, he is taking part again!
"Upbeat Communities is a place of hope and support. They welcomed me with a smile and a helping hand. It’s a place where I can make a network, connect with the community, and overcome the culture shock.
Upbeat Communities was a turning point for me in the UK. I learned the art of professionalism—this will help me for my future. That’s why I’m raising money for Upbeat this year. And I want to try and beat last year’s PB if I can!”
We’ve got an incredible team of runners taking part in this year’s event alongside Diarko and Joseph. Take a look at their stories below—click on the images to be taken to their JustGiving pages.
Caroline
“Every refugee we support is somebody's mother, son, uncle, daughter, father, aunt... The list goes on. Upbeat support their needs, from getting their children registered in school, to facing the challenges of being an unaccompanied asylum seeker child.”
The Althaus Team
“Althaus Digital are teaming up with Upbeat Communities in this year's Derby 10K to raise funds for their ongoing mission to empower refugees and asylum seekers.”
Jemimah, Jenna and Hannah
“Upbeat’s activities provide a lifeline to those who have fled war in search of safety, and who need to be welcomed into the community. Please donate if you can to help a very important cause!”
Megan
“I am raising money for Upbeat Communities as everyone deserves to live in a safe community.”
The Jacksons
“As a family we have had the privilege of journeying alongside many refugees as they rebuild their lives in the UK. We’re running the 10K and family 3K so that refugees can thrive in Derby.”
Michael
“I'm fundraising for Upbeat Communities because I think it's really important that we care for people who have had to flee war and persecution and have come to Derby and to support them to integrate into this great city.”
Inspired to fundraise for refugees? Enter your details below to sign up to our mailing list—we’ll send you details about how to get involved with future events, including the Derby Half Marathon on Sunday 29th June 2025!