I'm supporting Welsh Women's Aid by running in aid of them at the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 1st October 2023.

This is my first half marathon...in fact, it's my first time in an organised run EVER and I am so nervous. In fact, I've been putting off doing this fundraising page because I've been a bit scared that I'd let people who sponsored me down by not being able to do it. BUT HERE I AM. I started running in December - initially in my wellies - as if my body was urging me to move a little faster to help my mind get calmer as I was getting to grips with a life in grief. After a couple of weeks I swapped my wellies for trainers and I've built up from one minute to one mile to a half bloody marathon (alongside my running mentor and hero friend Debbie Bucella)

I am a huge advocate for Welsh Women's Aid. I recorded stories for their 40 year anniversary and learning about the ways they've supported women and families for decades was so inspiring and moving. I truly believe in what they do and, unfortunately, they remain very much needed by women across Wales. Please help me to help them by sponsoring me - that will help me to put one foot in front of the other on the day (I'm sticking to trainers and not wellies by the way)

Here is some info about why Welsh Women's Aid is so important:

1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 children in Cardiff will experience abuse and violence at some point. This includes sexual violence, coercive controlling behaviour, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation, stalking or harassment. Welsh Women's Aid work to make sure that everyone impacted by abuse can access vital lifesaving and life changing services, and your support will help them continue this support.

Together, we make sure survivors and their families are offered practical help, advocacy, counselling and support in a crisis and longer term. Violence against women and girls affects us all and is everybody's business; everyone has the right to live free from fear and abuse. Help us end domestic and sexual abuse in our lifetime.

Follow us on social media for updates on our work: @welshwomensaid