Boat Refugee Foundation is a small NGO providing vital physical and mental healthcare to refugees and asylum seekers in Mavrovouni refugee camp in Lesvos, Greece. I’ll be running the Amsterdam half marathon, alongside a group of other BRF volunteers (running the half or full marathon!) to raise money for the charity.

I’m Tori, a UK medic and I spent two months volunteering with BRF in 2025. To anyone who I have spoken with about this work will know that it was one of the most poignant and inspirational experiences I have had. Before reaching Mavrovouni camp, refugees and asylum seekers have gone through weeks to months of treachery and stress, fleeing fear and violence. Often BRF is their first point of access to healthcare since leaving their home country. Providing essential healthcare, offering psychological support and first-aid, and creating a dignified space for patients to feel safe is at the core of what BRF does. To me, it encapsulates humanitarianism fully.

On the ground the team is made up of volunteer psychologists, medics and support crew, who work alongside a team of interpreters. We offer a walk-in clinic open every evening, all-year round. We supply medications, can refer to local services, and can follow up our patient’s medical needs. Your donations will contribute directly to the essential costs of running our service, including medication supply, maintaining the clinic, interpreter wages and supporting training.

Thank you for supporting Boat Refugee Foundation, your donations will make a big difference!