THE British Red Cross has raised a record £1.5 million for refugees and those seeking asylum.

In its biggest and best year yet, Miles for Refugees, a fundraising initiative for the charity, has raised more than £1.5 million through generous donations from the public, and more is expected to come with sponsorship pages open until the end of October.

With more participants than ever, 7,425 people signed up to run, walk, cycle and swim during September to raise money for those fleeing conflict, violence, persecution and hunger to rebuild their lives in the UK.

Star of C4 shows The Good Wife and Deadwater Fell Cush Jumbo, comedian Josie Long, and author Bella Mackie also backed the fundraiser to get moving for those whose lives are in limbo, having survived all kinds of dangers when forced to leave their home.

Paul Amadi, chief supporter officer at British Red Cross, said: "When so many people have been hit so hard by coronavirus, this is a really humbling achievement by all the participants and everyone who sponsored them.

"Thank you so much to everyone who took part, I’m so proud of what we have all done together, and I’m excited to see if we can top this next year."

In 2019, British Red Cross refugee service supported 38,900 people in the UK, and this year they have been supporting people in the asylum system and refugees throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The support from participants and everyone who has sponsored them has come as debates about Channel crossings and support for people seeking safety in the UK have dominated the news agenda.

The money raised will go towards supporting refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK.

From providing people with the basics, like food and clothes, to supporting them through the complex asylum application process, it will help people to stay safe and prevent them from falling into destitution.

Ian Weaver, refugee support service manager, added: "This show of solidarity, let alone the incredible amount of money raised, will have a huge impact on the people we support.

"We all have to remember these are people who have been forced to make dangerous and desperate journeys, fleeing unimaginable horrors, such as war and persecution.

"The money raised will help the British Red Cross make refugees and people seeking asylum feel welcome and supported, and help them to rebuild their lives here."