An Oxfordshire refugee who smashed his half marathon target for a worthy cause is feeling fantastic.
Hozan Evans came to the UK nine years ago from Iraq and ran the annual 13.1-mile Oxford race on Sunday in aid of local charity Asylum Welcome, which supports vulnerable refugees and migrants at risk of being homeless by pairing them with host families in the community.
A finishing time of one hour and 25 minutes meant Mr Evans beat his target of one hour and 33 minutes with donations to the fundraiser at Mr Evan's Half Marathon for Sanctuary Hosting - JustGiving soaring 200 per cent above target to £1,000.
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Mr Evans commented: “I just felt really good and mentally like I was so strong.
“Lots of people were running alongside me and everyone was running in their own time.
“I just felt fantastic when I finished.”
Mr Evans added that he is already working for a charity and looks forward to raising money at more events like this.
“I’m going to do it again,” he said.
Money raised from the current fundraiser will go towards the Sanctuary Hosting service run by Asylum Welcome.
Linda and Ken, who previously hosted Mr Evans, said: “We enjoyed having Hozan stay with us.
“He is good company and an amazing person.
“He is very determined, works hard and wants to succeed in this country.”
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