My Story

I was taken hostage by the barbaric Islamic regime of Iran on August 13, 2017, and spent more than four years and seven months in the notorious Evin Prison. To combat insanity, one of the activities I chose was running. I ran for at least an hour in the small yard, which had a very uneven floor, almost every morning and did fitness exercises. I made it my goal to run the London Marathon anytime I was released, even if it meant that I would be in my late seventies!

On March 16, 2022, I was released and flown back home to the UK as soon as the £400m British debt was paid to Iran. 

On October 2, 2022, my dream came true when I ran the London Marathon. I ran that race in solidarity with all those I had left behind and with the intention of fundraising and promoting social awareness about two charity organisations; Hostage International, which had supported my family and continues to do so, and Amnesty International, which was instrumental in my release.

Despite all the ups and downs, thanks to the British public and supporters of this event, we managed to raise more than £28,000 in total. I also dedicated my run to Iran's women-led revolution for the liberty of the Iranian nation; a nation that has been suppressed for 43 years by a barbaric theocracy called the Islamic "Republic" of Iran.

On April 23, 2023, as a team, I ran the London Marathon again, this time together with my daughter, Elika, and my son, Aryan, raising funds for the two above-mentioned charity organisations, in solidarity with the brutalised people of Iran.

The scars of being held hostage are things that cannot be healed overnight, and they require professional help and self-determination. Professional help was made available thanks to Hostage International, which has been covering all the associated costs. I have been undergoing trauma treatment for some time now. One of the most important guidelines in dealing with my condition is to engage myself in physical activities, and I have chosen to continue running as it has already proven to be extremely beneficial. Running has improved my sleep and has immensely helped me manage stress and anxiety.

And now, thanks to London Marathon Events, another opportunity has arisen for me to continue to speak out and this time, while raising funds for Hostage International, I am loudly raising my voice to say with pride that I’ve managed to restore my mental health to a considerable degree through running. I am living proof of this!

And what venue is better than the #DoItForYou campaign to make this fact known to everyone? This year's campaign, #DoItForYou, aims to encourage people to get active to support their mental health and well-being.

Every little bit that you donate to Hostage International will be spent on efforts to support the victims of hostage-taking and to help them and their families deal with the trauma and the multitude of difficulties they face before and after their release.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who remind me that despite all the corruption and suffering that we are witnessing daily all around the world, humanity is not dead, and there are millions of good people out there.