Dubai resident Stephen Melia took a risk earlier this year to assist, putting his physical and mental boundaries to the test after witnessing the horrific picture of a father in Rafah holding his dead son.
The 36-year-old British father of one is getting ready to run five straight 112 km ultramarathons on Kite Beach starting on November 18, for a total of 560 km, in order to raise money for Dubai Cares’ Gaza in Our Hearts campaign, which supports emergency relief aid for those impacted by the conflict.
A Britisher To Run 560Km In Five Days To Raise Money For Gaza
His goal is to raise Dh1 for every kilometre, or Dh560,000 ($152,484) for the cause.
“Joining with Dubai Cares for Gaza is the best way of getting these funds to the correct places.
I have a two-year-old son myself, and I can’t begin to imagine the heartbreak that father must have felt, and the daily suffering the people of Palestine endure.
It made me feel sad, disappointed, and angry. But I decided to channel those emotions and found an opportunity to give back in my own way,” the mindset coach told The National.
“This year, I started running and decided that would be my challenge.
I know it’s going to be a painful week, and I’ll face some dark moments.
But I’m choosing to do this, so how can I complain when I see what’s happening in Palestine and the wider region?”
“For the first few months, I trained on my own just to see if this was even possible,” he said.
“I know running 112km every day will be a different experience, but I follow the same advice that I give my clients:
if you have a goal and the determination to achieve it, nothing can stop you.”
“People have been reaching out, telling me they’re preparing to run the farthest they ever have with me during this challenge,” he said.
“That makes me happy because it’s not just about my personal goal and raising awareness for Gaza, but also about encouraging everyone to make movement their medicine.
It’s for anyone going through a tough time or struggling at work. Let’s run and chat along the way.”
