The Flying Child is a survivor-led community interest company founded by Sophie Olson – a survivor of intrafamilial child sexual abuse (CSA). Their core aim is to normalise speaking about CSA in society and professional settings and within the survivor community itself. The CSA statistics are high, yet stigma and shame silence the majority.

Recent reports estimate that around 1 in 6 girls and 1 in 20 boys are sexually abused before the age of 16.

There are estimated 11 million survivors in the UK so we know there will be many in need of support. Survivors who do speak out are often faced with negative or inadequate responses to disclosure. The Flying Child’s purpose is to challenge this in a number of ways through training, campaigning and supporting across the country.

Why is this important to me?

Having recently attended a training day with The Flying Child and reading Sophie’s book, I have learned how front-line practitioners are still not getting it right which is why I want to raise awareness, use my voice, and support the Flying Child as the work they do is so powerful and desperately needed.

I am running the Manchester Half Marathon on the 18th May to raise money.