In memory of much-loved volunteer James Throup, staff, clients, volunteers and friends ran the Oxford Half Marathon — a day filled with community, compassion and hope.
“You definitely all did James proud — thank you,” said James’s mother, Julie.
The team ran to honour James’s life and raise funds for refugees and asylum seekers across Oxfordshire. Together they’ve raised almost £5,000 for Asylum Welcome — with an additional £1,000 for Oxford Phoenix FC, our youth football team, which ran its own fundraiser on the day.
James’s friends (pictured) said:
“As some of the people closest to James’s life in Oxford, we know how generously he gave his kindness to others, and how much he valued the work of organisations like Asylum Welcome. We were inspired and honoured to be on the move for James, and for all those who have been forced to be on the move from their homelands. The spirit of human kindness was alive in the energy of the crowds who cheered us on, including friends and neighbours who came down to support us, and James’s wonderful mum Julie who came all the way from Manchester.
It’s the kind of welcome and support we hope Oxford can give to people seeking Asylum, embodied by Asylum Welcome. Thanks to everyone who has donated and in doing so keeps alive James’s generous spirit.”
– #TeamJames
Joint CEO Sarah Totterdell said: “James was an exceptional member of the Asylum Welcome community — warm, gentle, and deeply kind. This event was a reminder of the best of human nature.”
Among the runners were first-time finishers, last-minute substitutes, and familiar faces like Hozan Evans, a refugee from Kurdistan in Iraq, who raised £1,000 last year and returned to run again:
“Running is not easy, but as long as you commit to it, you feel amazing — especially when you run for such a great cause.”
– Hozan
💜 There’s still time to help the team reach their target:
👉 Donate to Asylum Welcome
👉 Donate to Oxford Phoenix FC
🏃♀️ Join us next year!
Feeling inspired?
Asylum Welcome has several places available for the Oxford Half next year.
Whether you’re an experienced runner or a complete beginner, you can take part in 2026 and help bring hope, advice and support to people rebuilding their lives in Oxfordshire. To register your interest, please contact Tim at <development@asylum-welcome.org>.
