Chris Jackson's Run for Congo
The Most Dangerous Marathon in the World
On the 18th August, London-based Chris Jackson completed what some have called 'The Most Dangerous Marathon in the World', in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DCR).
Chris is taking on this awe-inspiring challenge as part of 12 marathons he is running in 2010 to raise awareness of the crisis and brutality of the conflict in the DR Congo. In the eastern provinces, rape is used as a weapon of war and 5.4 million people have died.
In addition to raising awareness, Chris will also be raising funds for Women for Women International's Congo programme.
"A fortnight ago I travelled to eastern Congo with the aim of running a marathon and more importantly speaking with the people who have been caught in this 'silent war'. What I heard and saw was shocking and I am still trying to get over it. I am not sure I ever will."
Despite the startling statistics, awareness of this conflict in the UK and around the world is low. Chris hopes that by running twelve marathons in twelve months - pushing himself to a physical brink- he will be able to raise awareness of the conflict and encourage others to get involved.
Chris tells his stories of the women he met and the challenges he faced.
One lady explains to Chris what had happened to her and her family and it moved him to tears.
Congo is the forgotten conflict and now that Chris has run along the border of DCR and Rwanda, along Lake Kivu, he has had first hand experience of the decimation that the country has sustained and more importantly the effect of the conflict it has had on the women and children.
Chris chatted to a Doctor at Panzi Hospital, which specialises in dealings with victims of rape and sexual violence based outside Bukavu in eastern Congo.
The doctor explained the horrors that have occurred to women, children and increasingly men as the conflict rages on. The hospital is seeing an increasing number of rape victims coming through its doors, some victims often arrive with wooden sticks or broken glass bottles stabbed into their genitals.
Because of the skills of the staff at the hospital the physical injuries can often be fixed.
It is the mental scars and social stigma that continue to haunt the victims, which is what makes rape such a powerful weapon.
It leaves women scared and afraid of going home, fearing the shame and stigma or future reprisals. Often the idea of returning to a family home now empty of loved ones is too much to bear.
Chris is sharing his stories on his blog site and on twitter. You can get involved and support Chris and Women for Women International as they begin to turn around the lives of these women and help them rebuild their lives.
How You Can Help
- Donate to support Chris's fundraising efforts. http://justgiving.co.uk/runforcongo
- Track Chris on his journey and leave a message of support on his blog. http://runforcongo.wordpress.com/
- Follow Chris on Twitter. www.twitter.com/run4Congo
- Spread the word - send your family, friends and work colleagues links to Chris's blog and ask them to support him
Breaking News
Listen to Chris Jackson on BBC World Service OUTLOOK programme.
