LICHFIELD MAN TO SCALE NEW HEIGHTS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

New Era domestic abuse service for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to benefit from sponsored Snowdon climb

For many, coping with and recovering from domestic abuse could be likened to climbing a mountain.

How fitting, then, that one Staffordshire man has decided to do just that to raise awareness about the issue and the specialist support available locally.

Paul Wright is planning to scale Mount Snowdon whilst raising funds for New Era - the domestic abuse service for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent that has helped a close friend turn her life around.

Paul was so impressed with the support provided by New Era that he was determined to think of an imaginative way to show his gratitude to the organisation, whilst paying tribute to the courage of his friend, who preferred not to be named.

Paul, who is Lichfield born and bred, is hoping that conquering the 3,560-feet peak will also help him overcome his fear of heights.

Soccer-mad Paul, who is chairman of Lichfield Social Club Community Football Club, will be joined by team-mates and friends for the challenging climb. It’s due to take place on October 10 – social distancing and other COVID-19 regulations permitting.

Paul, aged 39, said: “The domestic abuse that my friend went through was horrendous but the help she got from New Era was amazing.

“I’ve been through some tough times myself, experiencing family bereavement and health issues, but she’s always been there for me.

“Now I want to raise awareness about the issue of domestic abuse and the help available, as well as showing my friend – and other people - that no matter how big the obstacles we might face, we can overcome and achieve anything with positivity and the right support.

“My friend suffered emotional as well as physical abuse, which also affected her children, and she was harassed and stalked after she’d made the difficult decision to leave.”

Emma Tennant, from New Era, said: “Domestic abuse can take many different forms, and the impact can be devastating and far-reaching. The COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on domestic abuse like never before, which is why we’re especially grateful to Paul and his friends for their fabulous fundraising that will in turn help us to provide specialist support to even more local people who have experienced domestic abuse.”

Paul and his family are no strangers to fundraising, having raised more than £100,000 for a range of good causes over the years.

He added: “I enjoy organising family fun days and music events, but these sorts of things have not been possible during the pandemic.”

His motivation for the fundraising climb is three-fold.

Paul said: “After a period of ill health at the start of the lockdown, I decided to go on a major health kick.

“Six months ago, I couldn’t even walk up the stairs, so that, combined with my fear of heights makes for quite an interesting challenge. I also want it to be a tribute to my brave friend, whilst raising money to help other survivors of domestic abuse.”

New Era’s confidential helpline for victims of domestic abuse is available 24-hours – 0300 303 3778. Alternatively, a live webchat operates round-the-clock via its website: www.new-era.uk

New Era’s support for victims is provided by Victim Support, while its services for perpetrators are provided by the Reducing Reoffending Partnership.

New Era was commissioned in October 2018 by the Staffordshire Commissioner for police, fire and rescue and crime, along with Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.