This year, I’m choosing to celebrate my 25th birthday with purpose. I’ve set myself the challenge of running 5K every day for 31 days (the month of August) not just for the personal achievement, but to raise vital funds for two charities that have had a profound impact on my life: The Unite Foundation and Rape Crisis Centre.

The Unite Foundation changed the course of my life. As a young person who was estranged from my family, the idea of going to university of building a future felt out of reach. But the support I received from the Foundation opened the door to higher education and gave me the tools to build a career I never thought was possible. Today, I’m proud to give back as a trustee, helping guide this charity as it continues to support other estranged and care-experienced young people in pursuing their dreams, finding stability and realising their worth.

The second charity I’m raising funds for is the Rape Crisis Centre. In my first year of university, I went through an incredibly traumatic time. The support I received from this organisation helped me begin to heal. Their work is life-changing for women and girls of all ages and backgrounds who have experienced rape or sexual assault. In a world where gender-based violence is still frighteningly common, this charity’s services are needed now more than ever and so is our support.

These two charities represent critical chapters in my journey: one helped me thrive, and the other helped me survive. If you're able to donate no matter how small, it would mean the world. Let’s use this birthday to give back and keep these essential lifelines strong for others who need them.

With gratitude,

Nyomi