My Story

I know...I can't quite believe the words I'm typing either. If you know me even a little, you'd know that athletics are not my strongest suit. I am one of those who pays for a gym membership just because cancelling it means yet another defeat in Elika vs Dicipline. I don't quite know how I'd go about running a marathon, but I'd have to do this at least this once. Why? Because of Amnesty. If there is one thing I'm sure of is that without Amnesty's help, my dad's case would not have received the attention it deserved and we would have been forced into obscurity, possibly still fighting for his freedom from an Iranian jail. I am constantly in awe of all the staff who work at Amnesty and campaigning tirelessly against all odds to fight for justice and for human rights. 

It is only when we're faced with the unknown that we need a guiding hand to show us the way. When my father, Anoosheh Ashoori, was taken, we struggled to find ways to nevigate through all the obstacles we faced when fighting for his release. Amnesty and their relentless efforts day after day, milestone after milestone, to keep my father's name relevant in the media was key to our campaign's success.

Now, more than ever, the people of Iran are in need of support. We were lucky to be able to have my dad back, but there are still 86 million Iranians held hostage by a tyrannical regime, with very little support.

If there is one thing I've learned from years of campaigning, is that we must do everything in our power to unite, not just as a nation, but as human beings to stand for justice where there is none. 

If by raising money for this brilliant organisation, I hope by running, I can make it even 1% easier for them to carry on with their humanitarian projects, and help raise awareness on what's happening in Iran. 

Thank you for donating and thank you for supporting this crazy crazy journey! 

Elika xxx