My mum and I are walking the mighty stroll at the Edinburgh kiltwalk....again! This time we are raising money for an organisation that has been one of my life lines in the past year. This organisation is called Inverclyde Womans Aid. The women that work within Inverclyde Womans Aid are walking angels. They support women who have or are experiencing any form of abuse, assault or manipulation.

My story: these women have helped me change my 'label' from victim to survivor. My counsellor helped me acknowledge the denial that I 'buried' myself under, regarding abuse that I experienced many years ago. This was only relived due to a recent assault that occurred in 2024. I decided to find legal justice for this recent assault, which my counsellor supported every step of the way. My counsellor helped save me. My counsellor has helped me be me.

Why am I writing all of this now? Because in May 2024, I was assaulted by a former friend, yet another former friend tried to manipluate me to remain silent...to remain hidden or my past would be revealed. However, I decided to do the opposite, even though it was and is the hardest thing ive done. Now ive decided to be seen, to be heard....and to walk...forward. In 2024 and 2025, I have heard an overwhelming amount of replies of...."me too". I am writing this to share my experience and what I have now learned:

Abuse, Assault and Manipulation is not a mistake. It is a crime.

If you have been a victim yourself or know someone who has, Inverclyde Womans Aid can be your 'saving grace' too. Please know, you are not alone....you've got an army behind you. Due to the guardian angels in my life, I am walking into my new chapter of life, one filled with healing, hope and love....with an army ✊🏻. I may not be able to completely erase the pain those abusers have caused, but I can and will actively erase their names and presence from my future.

If you could please spare a pound or two for these angels, I can assure you that your support is helping a victim become a SURVIVOR!

Thanks in advance for the read and/or the donation, be save out there ✊🏻🩷.