Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Most of us are lucky enough to come from loving families and have only happy memories of our childhood. Sadly, this is not always the case and some children are subject to varying types and levels of abuse (a quick look at the NSPCC website www.nspcc.org.uk gives an insight into these). The list is endless - neglect, child sexual exploitation and abuse, online abuse, domestic abuse and child trafficking to name just a few. It seems completely alien to me as I can't get my head around how or why anyone would do anything to harm a vulnerable child. But it does happen and is a very real problem.

Like many people, I mainly focus on charities which support causes I have directly been affected by. Although it may not seem like it, child abuse affects all of us and we are all responsible for the safeguarding of children. An abusive childhood can have a devastating effect on development and can lead to mental health problems and related issues in adulthood, which in turn can effect society as a whole. Every child deserves the opportunity to be happy and live a fulfilled life as they get older.

I am running the London Marathon for the NSPCC so that I can play my part in helping to prevent abuse, and your support would mean the world to me, the NSPCC and all the children that are helped by this fantastic charity. Every little helps so any amount, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

The NSPCC are the leading children's charity in the UK and are the only children's charity with statutory powers, meaning that they can take action to safeguard children at risk of abuse.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.