Dearest Friends and Family,

I have the humbling privilege of serving on the board of UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, Refuge.

On Sunday 13 October, I will be putting my aged limbs to the test to run the *Royal Parks Half Marathon* to raise funds to support Refuge’s *life-changing and life-saving work*.

Refuge’s provision of *specialist frontline services* to women and children victims of domestic abuse combined with successful *lobbying for legislative and operational reform* over many years has been truly impactful. Refuge runs UK’s national domestic abuse helpline* which is the lifeline for the many victims of domestic abuse.

Sadly however, *the statistics on domestic abuse in England and Wales are still distressing* … 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and on average 2 women a week in England & Wales are killed by a current or former spouse.

I would be so very grateful if you are able to support me with this challenge and my fund raising efforts for Refuge.

Thank you in advance for supporting my challenge and donating whatever you can .. it will make a massive difference.