Red Run and our Hardship Fund

What is Red Run?

Red Run London is not just another regular fundraiser; it's a vibrant celebration of community spirit and solidarity! The annual fun run for HIV charities takes place in November, ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1st. Red Run unites the HIV sector to raise awareness and vital funds for life-changing HIV support and prevention projects. There are 5k and 10k options which you can walk, run, or sashay!

Red Run takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Victoria Park, East London. Whether you're a seasoned runner or simply looking for a fun way to support a worthy cause, the event welcomes participants of all abilities and ages. By pledging to run/walk/roll/strut or sashay for METRO, you will be helping us continue our crucial work supporting individuals and families living with HIV.

In 2024 METRO had more runners than in any previous year, and our fundraising superheroes raised over £4,300 for our hardship fund!

What is the Hardship Fund?

Since 2010 METRO has been running a Hardship Fund, for service users who are in desperate need. We give small grants of £50 to support people who have nowhere else to turn. These small grants can help bridge the gap and make the difference between whether people can afford transport to get to their appointments, keep the electricity on, and can afford the basics without having to go to loan sharks or take other desperate measures.

Being a single parent and living with HIV has been a constant struggle. I want the best for my kids, but sometimes it feels like my illness is holding me back. The financial help I got from METRO Charity Hardship Fund helped me to pay for groceries. It wasn’t just the money, it was knowing that I was not alone and the support made me feel like I could still be a good father despite everything.

Father of Three

Are you ready for a challenge? 

You can choose whether you choose to run, walk, wheel, strut, rollerblade or sashay, 5km or 10km. By taking part you can join over 3,000 people for a day of fun and fundraising for our vital HIV support services!

Details:

  • Date: 23rd November 2024, 2025 date: TBC
  • Location: Victoria Park, East London
  • Distance: Walk, Run or Sashay 5k or 10k

How to enter:

  • Sign up on the Red Run website redrun.org.uk
  • Select that you want to raise funds for METRO! 
  • Create your own fundraising page - you can either do that by:
    • make your own on JustGiving, or
    • using the blue button below

If you need any help with fundraising or signing up for Red Run for METRO please email events@metrocharity.org.uk!

After I was diagnosed with HIV, everything changed for me. I had to reduce my working hours because I just didn’t have the energy to work full-time anymore, but that also meant I couldn’t cover all my kids' needs. When I heard about the hardship fund, I wasn’t sure I qualified, but I applied because things were getting so tight. The help I got went towards buying food for my kids for two weeks and it didn’t just help me financially, it took a huge burden off my shoulders and helped me regain my emotional and physical wellbeing.

Mother of Two