My Mum, Julia James was murdered in April 2021 whilst out walking her dog. It was the middle of the day in a rural area, she did not know her attacker. She was 53 years old at the time of her death.

My Mum’s death has left such a huge void in our families lives. I was keen to arrange an event in her name for some time but was unsure how to go about it, until female friends of mine began training for a marathon; they reached out for company on their runs because they simply don’t feel safe running alone. The idea was born, on Saturday 19th July 2025 a group of my female friends and I will run and walk 53km (the age of my Mum at the time of her death) to raise money for White Ribbon charity, who aim to prevent men’s violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes.

If you are able to share our fundraiser and donate anything at all we will be very grateful.

I finally feel like I have the energy to make a positive impact in my Mum’s name with the help of my wonderful friends. It’s a cause worth investing in; to help keep the women in your life safe from violence.