The first time I came across a woman suffering from abuse at the hands of her husband, I was 5 and powerless to help her. She had been a beautiful girl in my neighbourhood who had slowly withered away into nothingness, until one night she hung herself from the ceiling. The reason I remember it so vividly is because I asked her once why she didn't leave. She'd told me with a sad smile "I don't have anywhere to go."

Back then, I had been helpless but I had vowed to grow up and one day help women and children like her to realise their vulnerability didn't make them powerless.

I'm a graduate and have worked part time with vulnerable groups, volunteered with organisations and learned how they operate. To start my own, I have gathered a lot funding but I'm still short of £2000. My dream of making this a better society is just within reach, my passion of helping so many women and children just steps away.

All I ask is for you to please contribute in any way you can, from 10 pence to £10. Every single pence matters because once this organisation is up and running, it's going to change lives. And all of it will be thanks to you.