Thank you for visiting my page - I really appreciate you taking the time to read my story.

In April 2015 I will be running my first marathon in my home city of London. This will be a fantastic personal achievement, however more importantly, I am running to raise funds for the NSPCC, a charity that's incredibly close to my heart.

Did you know that 50,500 children in the UK are known to be at risk of abuse right now? Or that 25% of today's young adults were severely maltreated in childhood? Or that 1 in 20 children are sexually abused? These statistics are shocking... but it's easy for us to grow immune to facts and figures, which is why I'm sharing my own story.

Throughout my teenage years I was subjected to child abuse by adults who had a duty of care towards me. It was only through the NSPCC, 7 years later at the age of 21, that I accepted it was abuse rather than "love", and gained the courage to go to the police. Unfortunately I was too late - there wasn't enough evidence to prosecute, so they walked free. At the age of 24, ten years on, I continue to battle - and overcome on a daily basis - the insecurity, lack of trust and mental illness that are caused by child abuse.

This isn't a sob story about me - but it is intended as a wake up call. No child deserves to battle through the pain and life-long after effects of  abuse. The more people who speak out and break the silence, and the more people who support the work of charities like the NSPCC, the more kids will be safe every single day.

Through the incredible work of the NSPCC you can help save children from this plight and - pardon the cliche - give them a happy ending. Please donate generously - the money you donate will save lives - both literally and metaphorically.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Alex

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.