This Christmas, a Caldicot-based charity received an unexpected boost from one of their founder members, despite the fact she has moved nearly 6,000 miles away.

Over 20 people regularly volunteer at charity, iNEED, and gather every Tuesday and Thursday to sort and bag donations of clothes, bedding, toiletries and non-perishable foods that is then sent by the charity to vulnerable refugees either in South Wales or in Syria and the Yemen.

Natasha Cadman, who set up iNEED in 2015 with Julia Rowe, raised over £250 by running 18km ad training in 30-degree heat in late November, despite moving to her new home in Ningbo in China 18 months ago.

She said: “Although I have moved overseas my heart is still with iNEED. The need for clothing and hygiene items is still ongoing and the charity needs funds to get the items to people who need them at home and abroad. 

“This was a personal challenge to run over 11 miles here in China in the hope of raising much needed funds. It was a cross-country run and, never having been a runner, it was pretty tough going in the heat.”

Co-founder Julia Rowe, said: “The situation in parts of the Middle East in particular is still very unstable politically, and refugees who have fled the violence, often to huge camps in neighbouring countries, are in a desperate situation.  The freezing temperatures and cramped conditions make life extremely hard and we’re so grateful for the donations that keep coming in to us, which can mean the difference between life and death to those on the receiving end.

“We’re very grateful to Natasha for continuing to support us from her new home in China and keeping the plight of refugees in her mind.”

To sponsor Natasha, and donate funds to iNEED, go to www.GoFundMe.com  and search for ‘Natasha’s fundraiser for iNEED’. If you have unwanted clothing or other items that you would like to donate, or if you are interested in getting involved with the charity’s work, contact Julia via email to [email protected] or on 07786 632672.