Over 45% of LGBT pupils are bullied for being LGBT in U.K. schools and over 50% hear homophobic slurs. The impact this can have on a student’s mental health, education and wellbeing can be devastating. No child should be sat in a classroom fearing bullies, name calling or isolation for being who they are.

Whilst interning at Allen & Overy two summers ago, I met an amazing charity called Diversity Role Models (DRM) who work with students and teachers, dedicated to creating a future generation that is accepting of everyone. DRM were recently awarded the 2018 European Diversity Award’s ‘Charity of the Year’ signifying how important and respected their interactive workshops in schools are. Donations and fundraising helps to make sure they can deliver more workshops to students and train teachers.

Recently I visited a school in East London with DRM to deliver a diversity workshop. After the workshop, I overheard young students pledging their commitment to respecting each other, no matter their differences, which was really heart-warming. One student anonymously wrote to me some extremely touching feedback following my Role Model workshop and this really shows the importance of the work DRM do:

“If someone is being bullied for being different I would make sure that the person who gets bullied in my class is actually happy for being unique and making the world more fun”.

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This is my first ever half marathon and I’m currently training five times a week around London. I’m aiming to run the half marathon in 1 hour 35 minutes.

N.B: as you have the opportunity to win some great prizes if you choose to donate, please do not apply gift aid to any donation!