As a child I would sit at home watching London Marathon every year and dream of one day being there. After becoming trapped in an abusive relationship at the age of 15yrs old that dream (along with many others) disappeared. 

Just under 6yrs ago after 20yrs of abusive I was finally able to escape that relationship and ive entered the ballot every year since. As much as I've wanted the experience of London Marathon I've never been overly fond of the idea of running 26.2 miles so I've always been relieved on some level to not get a ticket. 

But this year was different..... Because this year I received a call from Refuge offering me a place ruining in their team. I was honoured but now importantly this is a cause I've done everything I can to support since gaining my independence to try and ensure less people have to go through the things I have. So I knew then that this was the year that child would realise that dream. 

Sadly almost 1 in 4 women will experience some form of domestic abuse in her lifetime. As someone who has been lucky though to escape this life I know all too well the horrors those trapped still face. I have therefore committed to myself that I will do all I can to help improve things to make it easier for people to escape, to fight for justice and to then rebuild their lives. 

Refuge provide a free 24/7 Domestic Abuse helpline to help people gain the tools they need to escape, provide safe spaces to escape to and  empowers women and their children to rebuild their lives free from abuse and fear.  

Just £15 could go towards essentials for a woman's first night at a refuge but every penny counts so anything you can afford is gratefully received

 Thank you for any support!