Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As a care leaver who spent 5 years in the foster care system, it was my saving grace.  A 12-year-old me would have been petrified by the concept of a full lockdown and the closure of schools as this would have only set up the 'perfect' atmosphere for increased abuse. Therefore, it is not surprising for me to see that the NSPCC helpline for adults has responded to more than 10,000 'child welfare contacts' including calls and emails since the start of the UK's lockdown in March. Contacts to the NSPCC's helpline have increased by 32% since the start of lockdown. 58% of these contacts led to referrals or a referral update to the local authority. As an individual involved with the Milton Keynes Corporate Parenting team, these have and will never be just numbers to me. These are individual kids in danger, of whatever sort it may be. This fundraiser is firstly my way of begging you to no longer see these numbers as just that, but rather as young, vulnerable, powerless children in need of your help. The NSPCC has and continues to work tirelessly to fight a war that is not usually talked about but one that is very much essential and altruistic. My life, as a close friend has described it, seems to be an endless cycle of frustration and anger and despair. Though that is obviously an hyperbole, I have nevertheless found myself constantly frustrated at how detrimental these times are for so many children; to their wellbeing, safety and lives. Frustration and despair that seemed so everlasting and inescapable.

I have always loved sports and long-distance running has always been one of them. I practically run every day (though not anything nearly as long as I am planning to do now!). Now I have decided to raise money for a cause that I will probably continue to fight for and support for the rest of my life. Running a marathon is probably the most physically demanding task I have ever imposed upon myself thus far and it will require a lot of training, perseverance (and pain) along the journey. But I am ready to do all that and more if it means aiding the NSPCC helping vulnerable children (like I once was) from extremely abusive homes. So please, please consider donating whatever you can spare, and if you cannot do that at the moment, please share this if you can. These are very very hard times in more ways than one and by providing a helping hand to the NSPCC through financial support, you are enabling their increased efficiency and so, you could be saving a child's life, future.