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UCL staff and students race for Darfur crisis

29 June 2009

UCL students and staff were among more than 50 runners who braved the rain on 6 June to complete a ten-kilometre run through Regent's Park that raised funds to support the humanitarian aid work of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Darfur.

MSF supporters run for the charity

The UCL contingent ran alongside students from King's College London and MSF staff for the same cause. The race, which is an annual event, achieved a record fundraising total of over £5,000.

Kate Pitt of UCL MSF said: "Despite bad weather and the effects of post-exam excesses, supporters congregated early that morning to cheer on the runners. The atmosphere was great, with traditional rivals UCL and King's celebrating together at the finishing line. Prizes donated from local businesses were awarded for funds raised and fastest times.

"The race marked the end of a successful year for UCL Friends of MSF.  The student-run society had contributed to several talks, film screenings and a prize-winning Battle of the Bands. Next year, the sponsored run will be even bigger, with several universities participating."

Image: Supporters of Médecins Sans Frontières run through the rain

 

UCL Context

UCL Friends of MSF (FoMSF) is a student-run society dedicated to raising awareness of the work of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and of humanitarian situations in general. Its advocacy has three goals: overcoming access barriers; challenging trade restrictions; and stimulating new research into neglected diseases. This year, UCL FoMSF has hosted the National FoMSF conference at UCL, with a presentation by the coordinator of MSF's Access to Essential Medicines campaign.

For further information about MSF and its Friends society at UCL, visit the society website or the MSF UK website, or get in touch by email.