One woman in four will experience domestic violence at some point in her lifetime.

Two women are killed each week in England and Wales by a current or former partner.

As many of you will be aware, this dreadful statistic is something that I, together with my family, sadly have all too real and painful experience of.

My beautiful sister Leah was killed in such circumstances in 2010 so I’m running the London Marathon in her memory and honour to raise vital funds for a wonderful charity doing incredible work in this area, Refuge.

Refuge provide expert, specialist support to women and children fleeing domestic violence and currently support more than 6,000 clients, helping them rebuild their lives and overcome many different forms of violence and abuse.

They are committed to a world where domestic violence and violence against women and girls is not tolerated and where women and children can live in safety.

Domestic violence is understandably something that people are not comfortable with discussing or confronting. Research suggests that on average, a woman is assaulted 35 times before her first call to the police. The issues are difficult and upsetting and as a result it is an under recognised problem within the UK and charities like Refuge get over looked and are under funded.

Refuge believe that no-one should have to live in fear of violence and abuse and their aim is to empower women and children to rebuild their lives, free from violence and fear. To provide a range of life-saving and life-changing services, and a voice for the voiceless.

So I’m asking you to sponsor me to run the London Marathon.

By doing so you are helping me to help Refuge to save and change the lives of thousands of women and children escaping domestic violence.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now!!

Thank you so much.

Bekah x