⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING

Images in the Gallery and this page contains detailed descriptions of domestic abuse and serious physical injuries, which some readers may find distressing.

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Why I’m doing a 10k Run to fundraise for Women’s Aid

1 in 3 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

My daughter, Jayda, is one of those women.

As a mother, being unable to save your child while they are subjected to extreme violence is soul‑destroying. The guilt, heartbreak, anger, and helplessness are consuming.

We are raising money for Women’s Aid in honour of Jayda’s courage — and to help other women who are currently living through abuse, fear, and isolation.

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Jayda’s Story 

Please note the below is just a summary of the abuse I endured.

I was friends with my abuser, who I will refer to as K, for several months before we got closer. At no point did I see him as anything more than a friend.

In October 2022, my Auntie Tuesdee passed away (image 2). We were only six years apart in age and incredibly close — more like sisters than aunt and niece. We grew up spending weekends and school holidays together, so her death completely devastated me.

During this time, K was very supportive and appeared to be there for me. Before I realised what was happening, I had fallen into a toxic and abusive relationship.

Like many abusive relationships, it started off good — until it wasn’t.

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The Abuse

In January 2023, K hit me for the first time. From that moment on, the violence became normal.

At first, the injuries were in places you couldn’t easily see.

As time went on, the beatings became worse. I was constantly blamed for “making him do it”. He threatened to kill me, and when I said I would go to the police, he then began threatening to kill my mum and burn down my home.

He would often come outside my family home, making me feel I had no choice but to leave with him in order to protect my family. On one occasion, he kicked in my front door and broke the Ring doorbell to try and hide the evidence.

When the beatings were particularly bad and I was covered in bruises, I was locked in a room and not allowed to go home until the bruises had faded. I lied to my mum and family and missed many family events to hide what was happening to me.

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Escalation of Violence

The abuse escalated from slaps, kicks, and punches to far more serious violence.

I was:

Whipped with a chain (image in gallery)

Had objects thrown at me — on one occasion my head was cut open

Beaten while a knife was held against me

Had my head smashed against a wall

After one particularly brutal assault in November 2023:

My forehead was protruding

My eye sockets were torn, bleeding, and badly bruised (image in gallery) which left me with internal bleeding and a hole in the back of my retina

There was visible bruising around my neck from strangulation

I was not allowed to see a doctor or contact anyone for help for over a week. When I finally did seek medical attention, the doctor told me “I was lucky not to have been blinded”

Strangulation became normal, to the point that on several occasions I'd become unconscious.. Over time, he told me repeatedly that he would never get into trouble for “laying hands on me”. I felt completely trapped and believed there was nothing I could do.

He was first arrested in December 2023, after witnesses called the police, and he was given bail conditions not to enter my borough and no direct/indirect contact. He was also placed on GPS tag to ensure he came nowhere near my house. He broke these conditions within the first 24 hours, and continued weekly up until he was finally remanded, 8 months later.

Whilst on tag, K did not care AND HAD NO REGARD FOR THE LAW OR ME and would cut off his tag multiple times to come to my address and/or further harm me. This led to the most serious incident on 1st August 2024 when he removed his tag once again, dragging me into a car, locking me in and taking me out of London, to be further beaten and left on the roadside in Swindon. This made me fear my life even further, not even the police or courts could keep me safe and I truly felt stuck. This day truly scarred me and I thought I wasn’t living to see another day. He also smashed my phone over 10 times throughout the relationship, to try and get rid of all the evidence I had on my phone.

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Finding the Strength to Speak Out

On 24th August 2024, K was remanded in custody after following me and attacking me in a shop. That moment finally gave me the safety and strength to come forward and speak to the police.

At one stage, there were over 40 charges against him. As the case moved toward trial, the charges were streamlined and grouped together.

He later pleaded guilty to Grievous Bodily Harm, Threats to Kill, and several other offences.

After nearly two years of delays, the trial began on 12 January 2026. After the prosecuting barrister delivered her opening statement — showing photographs of my injuries and messages where K threatened me and the first 20mins of VRI (video recorded interview) was played— K changed his pleas to guilty to 7 of the 12 indictments.

These included:

Intentional Strangulation

Coercive and Controlling Behaviour

Perverting the Course of Justice

I made the difficult decision to accept these pleas and end the trial. These were the most serious offences and carry the longest custodial sentences.

On Friday 17th April 2026, justice was finally served. Whilst nothing can take my pain and suffering away, K was sentenced to 10 years in prison, including an extended license as he was deemed dangerous to the public. He will also have to serve two thirds instead of the standard 40% due to the high risk.

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Why We're Supporting Women’s Aid

I’m sharing my story to help other women who may feel trapped, frightened, or alone — just as I once did. (Jayda)

Women’s Aid provides lifesaving support to women and children escaping domestic abuse, including refuge spaces, emotional support, and legal advocacy.

By donating, you are helping women escape abuse and rebuild their lives safely.

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Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read this page. By supporting this fundraiser, you are helping show other women that help is available, support exists, and they are not alone.

💜 Thank you for standing with survivors. 💜