Help in the fight against child maltreatment
Paula Lopez Ramos is raising money for The Children's Society
In memory of Fidelia Patiño
Story
I am proud to be running the London Marathon in October for The Children's Society, an NGO that fights for the hope and happiness of young people threatened by abuse, exploitation and neglect.
According to the WHO, 50% of children between the ages of 2 and 17 years experience violence every year, worldwide. Experiencing the consequent level of stress during sensitive periods of development can lead to a host of biological and psychological deleterious adaptations that threaten the children's success. Children exposed to maltreatment are at a higher risk of psychological and physical disorders such as anxiety, depression, drug use disorder, obesity, heart disease, cancer, and suicide. On a societal level, violence against children contributes to inequalities in education, where abused or neglected children have a 13% greater likelihood of not graduating from school.
By providing the necessary resources to support young people having experienced trauma, we are not only fighting for their short-term safety, but safeguarding the longevity of their hopes and dreams.
The Children's Society works to end exploitation and abuse, and help those who have experienced it rebuild their lives. They also advocate for a better understanding of exploitation, trauma so, as a society, we are able to keep young people safe. They fight for hope by deeply understanding the needs of young people, supporting them through their most serious life challenges, and campaigning tirelessly for the big social changes that will improve the lives of those who need hope most. In the decade ahead, their focus and goal will be to overturn the damaging decline in wellbeing, ensuring this generation can have a happier, safer childhood.
Thank you for all of your amazing support. Your fundraising makes a life-changing difference. Mile by mile, together we can give children hope.