Story
On 4th September 2018, I heard the news I never expected... the man that sexually abused me as a child pleaded guilty! After years of silence, the world now knew the truth that i'd known since I was a child!
Since I broke my silence on 18th August 2015, the journey to that day in court has been tough but there has always been glimmers of hope. An organisation called Survivors Manchester has been just over the hills holding out their hand ready to catch me when I fall.
Since 2009, Survivors Manchester has provided therapeutic and ISVA support to male victims/survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester. Their mission is to break the silence on the sexual violation of boys and men, in order for individuals to begin to understand the impact of these experiences on their current life by working through difficulties and challenges that will enable them to move forward to be free of the past.
I am proud to not only get support from this amazing organisation but also play a part in taking it forward. So i'm running from Sheffield where I was abused to Manchester where I got help, on the anniversary of when court was supposed to finish.
If you want to see more from ITV News on my Freedom Run then click here: www.facebook.com/calendarnews/videos/1613009028830816/
To find out more about Survivors Manchester go to www.survivorsmanchester.org.uk
All of the money raised will go directly to helping male survivors find their freedom.