I'm running 10km for Manor Gardens. 

My charity do lots of brilliant work and offer London's only support group for FGM survivors - where women affected by FGM can find others who know what they've gone through and together can get the support they're looking for. 

I've worked at Manor Gardens for a year and a half now so I know the difference people here make. If I'm taking the terminology for granted - FGM stands for Female Genital Mutilation, and is all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, such as the clitoris, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. 

FGM can cause haemorrhaging, trauma and later, difficulties in giving birth. FGM is usually carried out in childhood or early teenage years and arranged by - and often involving - close family members attending the cutting ceremony. Because of the unique nature of FGM, a dedicated support group seems only right.

So, that's why I'm running/raising money, because I think unique work like this - tailored to people's personal needs - is worthwhile and worth supporting Manor Gardens for. Even if that means running really far to make the point. 

I hope you feel the same way.

Thank you for your support!

Oliver

Here's some stuff about donating through JustGiving (in case you were wondering):

"Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity."