The London Refuge is the only runaway children's refuge in the country. All too frequently, we are used to seeing familiar faces at the Refuge as the same children run away from home time after time. St Christopher's is seeking to reduce the number of children running away every year by strengthening family ties through a Family Support Service. This service will employ a Family Support Officer to help families with children who have run away from home or are at risk of doing so. St Christopher's needs to raise £134,751 to provide this vital service over the next three years.

Please prevent children from being at risk on the streets by sending your donation today

Clare's Story

"When I was ten my Dad died and my Mum started having boyfriends round. Most of them we're alright but her last boyfriend, Kevin, was different. He didn't like me being around and used to threaten me when Mum wasn't listening. One day he beat me up really badly and I ran away from home. I wasn't thinking what I was doing, I just ran. I sneaked on a train and ended up in King Cross.

I walked around for a bit, but I had no money and I soon started to get scared. People were staring at me and a man started following me so I ran into a phone box. I saw a poster for the Refuge and I rang the number. They told me to stay where I was and sent a taxi to get me. At first I didn't want to talk to anyone about what happened. They gave me a meal, some clean clothes and a bed for the night and phoned my Mum to let her know I was ok. In the morning, I felt better and told them what had happened. When they told my Mum, she hit the roof and told Kevin to leave. I'm safely back at home now, but I sometimes think what would have happened to me without the Refuge."

Clare was one of the lucky ones. We need your support to help prevent many more children like her from turning to life on the streets. Please send what you can spare today to save a young life this winter. Thank you for visiting our fundraising page Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our work: St Christopher's Fellowship will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. Many thanks for your support. St Christopher's Fellowship FREEPOST 1 Putney High Street London SW15 1SZ Telephone: 0208 780 7800 Fax: 0208 780 7801 Registered Charity Number 207782