I was hoping to be running the Stafford 10k to challenge myself and raise awareness of DFN. Unfortunately, due to injury and medical advice, I have had to pull out of this. However, I will not let this fundraising opportunity slip away, instead I will be completing a 100km exercise bike challenge in one day.

DFN’s aim is to make women and girls from poor and marginalised communities who are at risk of exploitation, or who are survivors of such abuse, safer.

We are given hope by Vijay’s story (name changed). Exploited and abused since childhood, she saw no way out. Our field team reached her with counselling, literacy classes and skills training. A small business grant enabled her to start a roadside stall, which grew into a thriving general store. Today, she is financially secure and her children are thriving at a Good Shepherd School.

Your donation will help DFN to provide a holistic programme including vocational training, business and employment opportunities, health services, school places, safe refuge and awareness in the community.

• £15 provides a month's education for an at-risk girl in our schools

• £21 could provide 20 days of trauma counselling

• £60 could fund one month of vocational training

• £111 could provide teacher training sessions equipping them to address discrimination, challenge stigmatisation of survivors and their children, and support girls at risk

Please consider donating to this cause. As I train and cycle the 100km, I’ll be thinking of those women and children who have endured such horrible circumstances and deserve dignity and freedom.