Taking on a challenge event in aid of Action Syria is a great way to try something new, either solo or with friends and family, all while making a positive difference to Action Syria’s medical care and education projects.
This year, we’re coming together for one big challenge: to cover a distance of 2,026 kilometres — 1,259 miles — by the end of 2026. And we’re looking for supporters, like you, to help us reach our target.
There’s a range of challenges that you can get involved in, from seasonal challenges, to running events, to longer treks and trail runs. Find out more about Action Syria Challenges here, or download our fundraising toolkit which has lots more information, tips and resources to help you get started.
In May 2025, our incredible supporter Neda ran the Great Birmingham Run and chose to turn it into a fundraiser in memory of her friend, Tina – a devoted nurse and tireless advocate for human rights and freedom of movement. Neda’s run was a heartfelt tribute to everything she believed in and we are so proud that Neda raised a magnificent £734 for Action Syria through the challenge.
We sat down with Neda to find out more about her experience:
Why did you decide to support Action Syria?
“I wanted to support a charity that was UK based, worked to help Syrians, and that had sufficient information online so that I knew the money I raised would be going towards the purpose the charity worked towards.
Action Syria seemed one of the more active charities and the data I found online was reassuring to me. I also felt I made the right choice when I started my JustGiving page and Action Syria contacted me. And have still stayed in contact!”
How did you find your run?
“I felt encouraged by the fact that I did it for a good cause, and even more so that I was doing it for my friend. The encouragement was strong because I managed to beat my last race time by 7 minutes!”
What did you most enjoy about the run?
“The race organisers had these ‘shower tunnels’ where you run through and get drenched with cold water. I normally hate cold water, but they were amazing!
The atmosphere at the finish line was so brilliant as well, I found myself running seconds behind a huge group of women dressed as bananas. There were lots of costumes, people singing, different ages, genders and ethnicities. I think next time I’ll have to dress up a little more.”
What made this fundraiser especially meaningful for you and why was it important to honour your friend through the run?
“Tina was a truly special person whose purpose, I feel, was to do good by others. I can never live up to her, but if I can do even a fraction of the good she did in the world I’ll be satisfied with what I’ve done. I hope that the money I raised will make a small difference and I hope to do it again.
I hope the communities who benefit from what Action Syria is doing can use it to better their lives and use it as a leg-up to make a better life for themselves. When that happens, I will have done right by my friend.”
Taking on a challenge for Action Syria in 2026 doesn’t have to be hard! Whether you want to take on a 10km walk in your local area or a trek to higher altitudes, Action Syria Challenges has something for everyone. Challenge yourself while making a positive difference to Action Syria’s medical care and education projects.
We’ll be right here cheering you on!
Keeping supporters clued up on our work is important to us. Sign up to keep up to date with where the funds go and the impact they have, and how you can support us.
