Dear Visitor,

Those of you closest to me know that I can be quite spontaneous and random at times. Signing up for another marathon - this time Virgin London Marathon 2012 on the 22nd of April 2012 - is just another example.

However, this time there is method to the madness...
Think for a minute about the things in life that scare you? What are you afraid of? Spiders? The dentist? Heights? Exams? Needles?... How about your Partner or one of your Parents? 

This is not as silly as it sounds, many women and children fall victim to domestic violence everyday and their fear prevents them from seeking Refuge.

  

The numbers speak their own language:
1 in 4 women will at some point in their life experience some form of domestic violence

 

On average, a woman is assaulted 35 times before her first call to the police 

 

2 women are killed weekly by a partner or an ex partner

 

30 women attempt suicide every day to escape domestic violence

In 90% of incidents in family households where domestic violence occurs, children are in the same or next room. 50% of these children are directly abused

 

Victims often become so insecure and lacking in confidence that they feel like they deserve to be treated badly. They are controlled and manipulated in such a way that fear rules their thinking.
 

Domestic Violence is something that people are not comfortable with confronting and overall, it is a very under recognised problem and therefore charities like Refuge get over looked and under funded! As an example: In 2009 The Donkey Sanctuary received £20 million in voluntary donations; in comparison, Refuge received £1.7 million.

 

So please donate, to help me, help Refuge. Simply click the "Donate Now" button at the bottom of this page. Every donations made will be matched by Morgan Stanley.

 

For progress updates and information on fundraising events check out my Facebook page: "London Marathon 2012 with Frederik Roikjer and Refuge"

 

Details for Refuge can be found at: www.refuge.org.uk

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.