Whilst recently spending some time in Wollongong, Australia, I was introduced to a fellow Brit by the name of Stacy. Learning about Stacy's life and why she had moved to Wollongong, the charity Stacy founded in February 2020, Escabags, was brought to my attention.

Escabags Ltd, is a charity who provide support to men, women & children who have survived the social cancer that is domestic violence. Stacy and the Escabag team supply national 'stockists' with escape bags to provide those fleeing a difficult and often traumatic encounter with items such as articles of clothing, sanitary products, toiletries, children's books and other items in a donated tote bag. These bags give those finding themselves in this situation a chance to restart. Unfortunately, over 70 women in Australia alone (and more across the world) did not get this chance and lost their lives to this poison in 2023.

After donating escape bag products and volunteering at the Escabag HQ, replenishing shelfs, reorganising the warehouse and supporting Stacy and Marie on corporate volunteer days, I noticed the difficulties they experience ensuring they can continue to provide free bags to the increasing numbers of those experience domestic violence but, also the importance these bags have on those within this awful situation.

Looking for my next challenge, I decided I wanted to take support an ever increasing important cause. Therefore in June 2024, I will be climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Considered one of the most challenging treks in the world, I will trekking approximately 68km and climbing an approximate 19,341 feet to the peak over a seven day period, whist experiencing Tanzanian weather conditions and fighting altitude sickness. Raising £6,500 / $12,000 for Escabags would allow Stacy, Marie and the rest of the team and their corporate partners at Escabags to continue to provide thousands of free bags across Australia whilst educating people that domestic violence is not okay and needs to be eradicated.

Any support you can give, whether it be donating to this fundraising attempt or donating products required to create a free escape bag would be hugely appreciated by myself and the Escabag team.

If you would like to learn more about Stacy's story and Escabags, go to their website https://escabags.org/ or follow any of their social media accounts (which can be found on their website.

Thank you for taking your time to read about my fundraising attempt and donating.