Hello, and thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page!

The Challenge

This year, I’ll be running two races. First, on Sunday 6th September, I’ll be taking part in Run Norwich (a 10km race). Later, on Saturday 24th October, I’ll be running a half-marathon (21km) at the Battersea Park Running Festival.

Volunteering and charitable giving have always been deeply important to me. It's been a lifelong goal of mine to challenge myself to raise funds for charity, and this was a key motivation for me to take my health and fitness more seriously too. To that end, I've decided to use these events as an opportunity to support important causes.

The Charity

I'm fundraising for Sue Lambert Trust. It’s the leading charity in Norfolk to offer free therapy, counselling, and support services to survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse aged 11 and over. They have done brilliant essential work in supporting survivors over the past 40 years.

To put the scale of the issue into perspective (using 2024-25 ONS data for England & Wales):

- 3.8 million people (7.8% of adults) experienced domestic abuse in the 12-month period.

- 1 million people (2.1% of adults) experienced sexual violence, including rape, during the same timeframe.

- 12.5 million people (25.8% of adults) have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16.

Every act of domestic abuse and sexual violence is deeply damaging to a person’s safety, health and wellbeing - a painful truth that impacts people in my own life. The trauma can also contribute to severe issues in other aspects of life such as housing insecurity, difficulties with work and relationships, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. No one should have to bear this pain alone. With the right support, a survivor may be able to heal, feel safe, and rebuild their confidence.

Sue Lambert Trust provides that vital lifeline, by offering a safe, respectful and welcoming space for hundreds of survivors each year through counselling, therapy and support groups. Just a £10 donation helps someone who has been subjected to these traumatic experiences to access much-needed support.

The Goal

A target of £240 covers the cost for 24 people to access Sue Lambert Trust’s group therapy sessions, so I'd love to help them cover the expense for this vital service that they provide.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this story. I would be very grateful for any support you can provide, whether it's a small donation or simply cheering me on! Every little bit helps and goes a long way in making a difference.