Story
I will be running the Great North Run on Sunday 10th September 2023 and raising money for the charity Harbour.
Harbour works with families and individuals who are affected by abuse from a partner, former partner or other family member in the North East of England. I was referred to the charity by police when I left my marriage last September. At that point I didn’t realise the impact leaving would have on my family and me. With input from the charity, I have had access to a support worker who knows my personal experience (I don’t have to re tell my story). I have also been able to attend group programmes with other survivors to learn more about the toxic relationship I was living in and how I can continue to support my children and be a good role model as they grow.
On average it takes a woman seven times to permanently leave an abusive relationship. Leaving is a process and not an easy decision to make. For me, it took an incident involving my closest loved ones to realise I wasn’t in a loving or healthy marriage. Although I had attempted to leave on several occasions over the years I was never fully ready, I wanted to believe it would get better and I always had hope.
This year has given me the opportunity to reset, rebuild and regain my identity. I am no longer isolated and have an amazing support network of family and friends behind me, who truly care. I am one of the lucky ones, I survived!
Running has been a big part of my recovery journey, I am moving forward and am in a stronger position to be able to raise awareness. Any donations would be welcomed to support the charity which continues to help me in my recovery.
Lots of love
Rachael