Christians are putting on their running shoes to support a crisis centre launched by a British charity that will help victims of trafficking and abuse in Uganda.
One By One’s Running For Mercy campaign kicked off in May following the tragic rape and murder of three-year-old Mercy in Pakistan. Her body was found in a brick kiln near to One By One’s offices.
The charity has responded with ambitious plans to open its first Mercy Centre in Jinja, Uganda, one of many crisis centres it hopes to launch to help children who survive trafficking. To raise funds and awareness for the centre, more than 200 people worldwide have signed up for Running For Mercy and are completing a variety of challenges to galvanise support.
Donors are hoping to raise a combined total of £100,000. CEO Becky Murray is leading the charge, running 5km every day in May.
She said: “Mercy’s story shook us all. I remember clearly the moment I received a call telling me a three-year-old girl had been raped and murdered. I knew we had to do something.
“Mercy will never be forgotten and our goal is to build many Mercy Centres around the world to support children who have gone through horrific situations. We don’t want anyone to suffer what Mercy went through.
“The response to Running For Mercy has been amazing. People are running, walking, swimming, setting step challenges and we even have one guy doing the Great Wall of China Marathon. We’re so grateful that so many are on board.”
Fundraiser Ben Gregory, 27, signed up for the Birmingham Half Marathon.
“I found the horrendous story of Mercy’s life incredibly sad and moving, and I just want to do what I can to help children in such terrible situations,” he said. “God has given me the ability to run and I want to do it for this cause.”
Estimates suggest that more than 2 million children are involved in child labour in the country and as many as 18,000 children are victims of sex trafficking. The Mercy Centre will help those in need by providing a place of safety and allowing them to rebuild and restart their lives afresh.
Becky Murray said: “We already have a small team in Uganda as well as our work in Kenya and Asia, but this will be the biggest project we have ever undertaken. We really hope people get behind Running For Mercy, even if it’s a 5k run or a walk with the grandchildren.”
“As ever, churches and Christians are demonstrating their generosity. We’re thankful to God’s church for once again living their beliefs.”