In September in Astana and in Almaty hosted two races organized by British-Kazakh Society. What is remarkable is that these races were charitable. All funds rose during the preparation and conduction of races were sent to the project "Breathe, baby" of "AYALA" charity fund. Today we are talking with the executive director of the British-Kazakh Society Gauhar Bramley-Fenton.

- How long has the British-Kazakh Society existed and what it does?

- British-Kazakh Society (BKS) was founded in 2002, or 10 years ago. The main function of it - is networking at all levels between the UK and Kazakhstan. BKS Patrons became the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and His Royal Highness the Duke of York. 

- Tell us, please, about the history of the idea of races conduction.

- This idea arose on the 12 of October 2008, when we supported the team of "Air Astana". It took part in the Semi Marathon of Royal Parks in London. After overcoming exhausting 13.1 miles, the team met Saule Kudaibergenova (former employee of Agip KCO) and me. The idea of conducting a charity race in Kazakhstan appeared just then, at the time of photography and sharing experiences with Air Astana team.  Exactly this fact, that Kazakhstan's team took part in the race along with the regular participants of the marathon in the UK, inspired all of us by the conduction of the same races in our capital city and all major cities of Kazakhstan.   

- You live in London. How do you organize such events in Kazakhstan? Who helps you?

- A lot of people help me, it's impossible to do it alone. We would like to express special appreciation to the Astana Akimat for the fact that they took up the idea and for the past four years helping us completely for free.  Also all former students who studied in the UK help us, people with whom we work, the organization for which we collect the money. So many people, they need someday to list. I emphasize that it is impossible to do such things alone.

- How the idea to make these races charitable came up?

- This Anglo-Saxon idea. All races, which take place in the western part of the world, are always charitable. There are some sporting events, it's the Olympic Games, athletics competitions, and all marathons that we see, are always have a charity background.

- How much money is able to gather in the semi marathon in Astana and the 10 km race in Almaty?

- In total we raised 7,674,000 tenge. This is a very good figure and we hope that our mite will close the costs of medical equipment for resuscitation of Petropavlovsk Regional Perinatal Center.

- Why did you choose the charity fund "AYALA" as a beneficiary?

- The first time I learned about the charity fund "AYALA" was in the airport. There was a circulation of magazines about the activities of the fund, I read about the project "Breathe, baby" and was very impressed.  By the will of fate, BKS was involved in support of the Marat Bisengaliyev charity concert that fund "AYALA" held in honor of the 5th anniversary of its activities. I am very pleased, as we all came together. Gorgeous people, gorgeous fund, gorgeous noble goals, so we considered it as an honor to work with the "AYALA" fund and take part in the project "Breathe, baby".

- Tell us, please, about your plans.

- We want to conduct marathons in all major cities of Kazakhstan. We want to involve young people in a healthy lifestyle, so that they get used to the fact that at least once a year they can do a good job.  Do not just make a donation, but also to fully engage - in body and spirit, and in enthusiasm.  This year we conducted semi-marathon in Astana (21.0975 km) and the race in Almaty (10 km). Our final goal is a full-distance marathon - 42 km 195 m.  This is very difficult, so we are slowly preparing both city and people to ensure that it will be an annual event.

Gauhar, I want to thank you for the interesting and emotional conversation. On behalf of the editorial board of the charity magazine "Demeu" I want to wish you success in charity. Our magazine will support all your undertakings. Let all your plans come true and let more people and sponsors involved in your races every year.