Domestic violence has a devestating impact on the victim, and their children, as well as those who support from the edges, powerless to intervene. It can often take great courage to escape these awful circumstances. Having experienced this myself I can testify to how hard it was for me, even with the support of my wonderful family and friends; my relatively strong self-esteem; and my financial independence. Imagine how hard it must be for those who have much less to rely on. This is why the services of organisations like MK-ACT are so important.

I have supported the MK refuge in the past, and have helped raised money for the furniture and equipment necessary for this new refuge. This year the money I raise will go directly to fund a programme of training for residents, to help build confidence and life skills.

Running my first marathon will take real determination, and a level of training I can't yet really imagine. I only took running up in my 40's and I am far from a 'natural runner'. For me though running is a very natural way to raise money to help support those facing domestic violence because it is effective, but also because it forces me to dig deep into my reserves of inner strength, and I know every victim of domestic violence is doing that too, on a much larger scale.

Please support me - any donation, large or small, makes a real difference.