First of you should all know that this isn't a Katia holiday slushfund - I'm paying ALL the tour costs myself so every penny you donate will go directly to Rape Crisis

 

Secondly, I am not superawesome like you. I am both greedy and lazy so this will be a challenge for me.

 

Thirdly, most importantly and most upsettingly, most of us know someone who has been the victim of sexual violence, wether they're a friend, a mother, a sister or a relative it affects all of us.

 

I'm taking part in this trek to help support the women and girls that will need Rape Crisis to support them in the future. It's hard for victims of sexual assault to stand up and be really peppy and say "I got raped/assaulted/abused and I survived it - woohoo! Lets climb up amountain - gimme some cash!"

 

There is still so much stigma surrounding sexual violence and so much victim blaming that once someone has come out of the worst of it and moved on, all they want to do is move on. As a result Rape Crisis don't enjoy the popular support that many organisations do which is why it's so important spread the word about their crucial work

 

 So here goes - "I got assaulted and had the living hell beaten out of me when I was younger and I survived. I'm doing the Macchu Picchu trail for Rape Crisis - Gimme some Cash!"

 

Rape Crisis campaign continuously to raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual violence and, in particular, they highlight the importance and need for appropriate, high-quality and specialised support. 

 

Through their campaigns and briefings they raise awareness of sexual violence, challenge attitudes and press for change.

 

Rape Crisis Centres provide crucial crisis and long term specialised counselling, support and independent advocacy for all women and girls of all ages who have experienced any form of sexual violence both recently and/or in the past; centres are community based, and independent of government and the criminal justice system.

 

 I really hope you'll all donate as much as you can. Rape Crisis desperately need all the help they can get.

 

 Anyone who donates over £100 will receive a free limited edition headband from my next collection, over £50 and I'll buy you a drink.