Despite having recorded one of the slowest ever times in the London Marathon many years ago, I am about to undertake another sporting effort for which I have no (that means absolutely zero) natural talent.  On the 6^th September I will be crawling around the Bristol Half Marathon course in an effort to raise funds for CAADA.  By a cruel twist of fate, my appeal to run under cover of darkness has been rejected, as has an attempt to be disguised by a paper bag over my head.  Thus I will be easy to spot- the lone person at the back clutching an ice pack to her knee... 

While my half marathon will be memorable only for the number of ice packs needed and the embarrassment of my family as they wait for me to finish (last), the work of CAADA is well worth remembering.  Domestic abuse is one of the most invisible but destructive problems in our society, ruining the lives of both the adults and the children it affects.  I genuinely believe that CAADA’s work is transforming the lives of the most vulnerable victims and their children by providing trained, specialist support and a well coordinated response to their needs.  As one woman said to me, ‘You have given me and my children our lives back.’  The thought that we can do that for many others like her will help me get to the end of the 13.1 miles.  If CAADA is successful we can do this for thousands of others like her, and save this country many millions of pounds.  I hope that you feel that you can help us continue our work.Thanks in advance for your support,

Diana