"We Listen, We Believe, We Empower." SAIL Derbyshire

I've thought about sharing this for over a year, but I've always been nervous about what people might think, or about being met with sympathy. Time has given me the space to heal, and I've realised that if sharing my story can help even one person, or raise money for a charity that changed my life, then it's worth telling.

In April 2023, I was raped by a family member — someone I had known and trusted since I was a child. I was just about to begin the clinical phase of medical school when it happened.

Thankfully, I spoke up and reported it. The investigation was long and incredibly difficult. There were moments when I was threatened and intimidated, even though I lived on a different continent. It was an incredibly scary time in my life, but my family, my friends, and the professional support I received carried me through. I think the worst part was how it changed me as a person, and my view of the world.

In December 2024, after more than a year and a half, my case finally went to trial in Ohio. I testified in court, and he was found guilty of rape, a first-degree felony, and sexual battery, a third-degree felony. In January 2025, he was sentenced to eight years in prison and classified as a Tier III sex offender; the most severe sex offender classification.

Four months after the trial, I managed to pass my final exams. I graduated from medical school, on time, with my class, in July 2025. And currently, I have just completed my first year of practice as Dr Amna Macknight. A title I'm incredibly proud of. I'm also lucky to be surrounded by incredible friends and a loving family who make me feel safe, valued, and loved.

Most importantly, I am becoming me again. That healing didn't happen overnight, and it certainly wasn't linear.

One of the biggest reasons I'm where I am today is because of SAIL (Sexual Assault and Incest Line). SAIL is a charity that supports people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse, whether it happened recently or many years ago. They provide free counselling, a confidential helpline, and advocacy services to help survivors understand their rights and navigate the justice system. I know that because they did exactly that for me.

During that year, SAIL gave me more than 25 hours of counselling and support, completely free of charge. My therapist met me with kindness, compassion, and absolutely no judgement. She gave me a space to cry, rant, laugh, be angry, and slowly rebuild my confidence. She reminded me, time and time again, that what had happened to me did not define who I was. Over time, that voice became quieter.

With SAIL's support, alongside the incredible support from the University of Nottingham, I was able to keep going with medical school when time off would have felt so much easier. I will always be grateful to both SAIL and the University for standing by me while I fought my case and achieved my dream of becoming a doctor. I also couldn't have done it without my family and my friends. Their love, patience, and unwavering belief in me carried me through, and I will never be able to thank them enough.

Sadly, very few survivors ever see justice. Only a small proportion of reported rape cases result in someone being charged, and even fewer end in a conviction. I know how rare it is to see a case through to conviction, and I don't take that for granted.

Everyone deserves to feel safe.

Which is part of why running feels meaningful right now: I'm taking on the Robin Hood Half Marathon 2026. Eleven weeks away. I'm hoping to PB (fingers crossed)!

If you're able to donate, no matter how big or small, I would be so grateful. It costs £80 to provide one person with a counselling session. I am aiming to fundraise £500. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for supporting a cause that means more to me than I can put into words.

£500 goal was raised in just under 8 hours £2080 provides a full set of counselling for an individual. Its ambitious, but nothing great comes easy. xx