Story
Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes (SAASSBMK) has been providing support to survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse of all genders over the age 5 across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. They are one of the few Rape Crisis centres in England and Wales that supports survivors of all genders.
Rape Crisis England and Wales estimate that 1 in 4 women, ManKind estimate that 1 in 6 men and 1 in 6 children have experienced sexual violence. SAASSBMK have seen an increase in demand for their services, up 13% from last year.
Celia currently works for SAASSBMK and sees first hand the importance of support for survivors of sexual violence, as one survivor says:
“It makes me emotional writing this but my counsellor was the ultimate gift. The time spent together helping me learn about myself, understanding my feelings and working through my trauma and depression is priceless. She saved me. She saved my life. I cannot thank her enough for how much of an impact she has had on my life and ultimately my children’s lives and their future.”
SAASSBMK's services are provided free to survivors, so they are reliant solely on fundraising to deliver year on year. Funding from government departments are being cut, grants from local authorities are being squeezed, trust and foundations are seeing an unprecedented volume of applications to their funds, charities are closing every week, so fundraising through crazy challenges like this really can be the difference to charities like SAASSBMK.
So, having decided that 76km last year along the Jurassic Coast wasn't enough of a challenge (believe us it was!) we've decided to go for the full 100km Ultra Challenge experience! This time though, it's the Thames Path, with very little elevation from Putney to Henley on Thames, alongside the river. 🚶♀️🚶♂️
Please support us as much as you can, we know that times are tough, so any donation is greatly appreciated by both of us and indeed everyone at SAASSBMK.
Thank you 💜