In light of Sarah Everard's tragic death, I have decided to run a marathon to support Rape Crisis Scotland - a wonderful charity supporting victims of sexual violence. 

I wrote the following post on my Instagram three weeks ago, explaining my decision to do this:

"For me, as for many women, this week has been triggering and exhausting. I wasn’t going to say anything on the topic, but my exhaustion was replaced by anger when I saw the police response to Sarah Everard’s vigil. Last night’s events demonstrate our society’s failure to adequately deal with the problem of male violence against women. The police got it so wrong, but following my own experiences this didn’t surprise me. 

When I was 19 a man followed me back from a club, came into my home and raped me. I reported this to the police, believing they would help me. Instead, their terrible response traumatised me further.

Since then, I have lived with the consequences of the attack and the perpetrator has lived with none at all. I spent a long time feeling ashamed for failing to keep myself safe. I’m tired of carrying that shame and I feel strongly that it’s time for men to step up, educate themselves and help solve this problem.

Sarah’s story may be unusual, but male violence against women is anything but. Men are perpetrating violence towards women every day and not facing any consequences. Women carry that pain, trauma and shame.

It’s not my responsibility to solve this problem (men – the responsibility is yours). However, I have decided to channel my anger into something positive.

Since being attacked, running has helped me to reconnect with my body and made me feel strong. For this reason, I am running the Edinburgh Marathon on 30th May, raising money for Rape Crisis Scotland. I’m lucky to be in a really good place now, but the impacts of sexual violence are long lasting. Rape Crisis does great work helping survivors deal with this trauma."

All donations big or small greatly appreciated!! 

Thank you! 

Beth 

xxx