As you might know I was in a relationship which was a little controlling, actually very controlling. 

With help from my friend Tom I plucked up the courage to ring Women's Aid and set to work changing my life for the better. I went through 5 years of hell and in the 6 weeks it took to plan leaving my partner Women's Aid were there for me. 

I've chosen to run the marathon because one rare pleasant Sunday I was sat at the dinner table eating a lasange with my partner and I simply made a comment "One day I'd like to run the marathon". The reply I recieved was nothing but laughter followed by comments such as "You're too fat", "you don't have the determination or willpower", "you can't even walk right, you are lazy". This was one more nail in my coffin. Knocked down one more time and not supported in any way by the person who was meant to love me. This was a nice day, this was nothing compared to what I usually had to deal with.

I might not be the healthiest person alive, but I had the willpower to leave him and I've got the determination to run this marathon. I've spoken to a lot of people about my experiences and in doing so I have found that I am not an unique case, there are plenty of women, men and children who are suffering out there and I want to be able to help make it stop by making people more aware and keeping vunerable people safe. 

By the time the London marathon has come along I would have been free of him for two years and I'd like to say thank you to Women's Aid for helping me so please help me to raise lots of money!