This June I will be reliving my competitive swimming days and swimming 35km throughout the month to raise money for Solace Women's Aid.

I will be swimming 35km as, on average, a woman is assaulted 35 times before the police are called. That's 35 too many. Domestic abuse is a cycle of behaviour and a cycle of violence. The repetition of events only makes it harder for someone to leave, get the help they need and the support they deserve.

Services like Solace's are vital to ensure long-lasting support is offered to ensure women don’t experience abuse again. For Solace, this means being able to provide accommodation to those fleeing their home, therapeutic services to help overcome years of trauma, support navigating their legal and housing options and advocating for local and national change through the laws that should protect all women and girls.

I hope you will join me in fundraising this June to give survivors the help and support they need to build the life they deserve.