So here we are in 2024 and I am finally running this marathon!

It’s been 5 years since I originally signed up to run for the 2020 London Marathon, then the pandemic changed everyone's plans!
Each year since hasn’t felt quite right to run, from personal circumstances to injuries but this year I am ready and excited to be taking on the challenge… again!

Waiting since 2020 has also meant that I am now in a place where I feel able to share my story and the reason I am running for Refuge.

It’s hard to get the balance right with these sorts of statements but in 2017 I went out for a typical morning run in my local park and was assaulted. This was a huge turning point in my life and its significance I’ve only recently come to terms with.

After the attack I was referred to Refuge’s support service Athena. Refuge is well known for their incredible work with Domestic Abuse survivors but they also provide victims of sexual assault with support. Athena is a Lewisham based service that provides non-judgemental and confidential support to those experiencing gender based violence. At the time I wasn’t in the right mindset to accept this support but having someone that would regularly check in was an amazing gift and years later helped influence my decision to seek therapy myself.

It took me a long time to get confident to run alone again. So signing up with friends for a half marathon in 2019 to fundraise for Refuge was a monumental moment for me. Not only did it help me get past my fear of running but it meant that I was able to raise money and support the amazing services that Refuge provides.

The next step was obviously to sign up for a marathon … oops! Although the 2020 Marathon didn’t happen as planned, I have met so many incredible people raising money for Refuge, many with stories of hope and strength which are so inspiring. I am honoured to be raising money for Refuge again this year.

So here I am, sharing my story and more ready than ever to run this marathon! 

Thank you so much to everyone who donated years ago, it means so much.

No donation is too small, and anything you can give will make a huge difference. On any given day, Refuge supports 7,000 women, children and men. Just £10 could provide a woman arriving at a refuge with the essentials she needs for her first night. You can find out more about Refuge's work at www.refuge.org.uk.

Thanks for reading!

Ellie x