Hi guys,

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Fortunately, I've never been a victim of domestic violence but there are thousands of women out there who are suffering.

I had a brief insight into the scale of the problem last year when I followed the emergency services in Blackpool for a documentary. The women I met were stuck in a cycle of both physical violence and emotional blackmail. What really got to me was the impact it had on the children. Listening to scared kids call 999 because their parents are fighting and then seeing them spend a night in A&E due to violence is the real motivation for me to run this marathon.

Many charities fund problems abroad but I think we need to look closer to home. In the UK, 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence at some point in her life and 2 women a week are killed at the hands of a current or former partner.

I've felt deeply frustrated by my inability to help the women and children I met. So in a bid to be pro-active I’m going to raise money for Refuge by running the London marathon. Yup, until April I will become the most boring person you know by training hard through fog, rain, snow and wind.

I know more and more people are asking you to donate money for charities but Refuge really is an incredible organisation. It helps 1,600 women every day who suffer from domestic violence by providing them with both practical and emotional support. It takes a huge amount of bravery for women to seek support and Refuge do a fantastic job to help them.

I can also promise you that I will derive absolutely no pleasure in training over the next 8 months or in running this marathon. So if for nothing else please donate to make this worthwhile!

To the altruistic, intelligent, funny, kind and good looking people (yes that's you) who are still reading may I ask you to spend 1 minute of your time to donate even the smallest amount to this fantastic cause. Your money will ensure these women and kids are kept safe.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity where 85p of every pound goes to the front line.

Thanks guys I really appreciate it.

Sophie x