The world’s greatest ever distance runner, and campaigner against modern slavery and human trafficking, Sir Mo Farah has become a patron of the Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.
Sir Mo has a long relationship with St Mary’s and trained, studied, and lived at the University from 2001 to 2011. He began campaigning against human trafficking and modern slavery following his decision in 2022 to reveal he himself was a victim of these crimes. Sir Mo was trafficked to the UK from Djibouti at the age of eight and forced to work in domestic servitude until he was ultimately able to escape when he confided in his teacher.
Speaking of his appointment as Patron, Sir Mo Farah said, “I am honoured to have the opportunity to support the work of the Bakhita Centre as its first patron. Fighting the crimes of human exploitation is a cause close to my heart having been a victim myself. I look forward to supporting the centre in their work to support victims and raise awareness of these crimes.”