We are absolutely delighted to have a runner in the 2026 London Marathon!
Meet Alex Hilliam, who is taking on the 26.2-mile world-renowned challenge to fundraise in support of people rebuilding their lives in Scotland.
How you came across Scottish Refugee Council?
I first came across Scottish Refugee Council many years ago (in about 2010 I think!) when I was interviewing refugees as part of a research project that focused on refugees’ awareness and experiences of accessing legal support. The work was for the Scottish Legal Aid Board but could not have taken place without the work of the Scottish Refugee Council in facilitating access and supporting refugees through the process. Interviewing refugees face to face was a hugely humbling experience and left a lasting impression – not only of how incredibly challenging it is for those that have fled harm or persecution to rebuild a life in a new country, but also on how important the Scottish Refugee Council is providing in support and campaigning for those new to Scotland.
Why you want to fundraise for us?
Two reasons – firstly to do something that might make some small contribution to countering the current horrible and dehumanising narrative in politics and the media around migrants and refugees. Scotland (and the UK) has gained so much from being an inclusive country – and I want to live in a place where new arrivals feel wholly welcome – and will proudly be wearing my ‘aye welcome refugees’ t-shirt as I run the marathon. Secondly, I want to raise money to enable Scottish Refugee Council to continue to provide vital advice and support for refugees to enable them to rebuild their lives in Scotland, and to campaign for fair policies around immigration.
What’s your history of running? What’s your goal right now – a personal best or enjoying the challenge of a marathon?
I used to do a fair bit of running, but not much recently – injury and age got in the way – although I do keep fairly active. I’ve done one marathon before and wasn’t ever planning on doing another one (for obvious reasons!) but having watched London on TV last year I entered the ballot on a whim and got (very, very) lucky! I’m not that fussed about how fast I go – I just want to enjoy it and do something positive with my good fortune.
Thank you so much to Alex for representing Scottish Refugee Council at this year’s London Marathon – it goes a really long way towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for refugees and people seeking asylum.
If you would like to support his efforts, you can do so here.