I had spent my entire life dreaming of the day I could finally free my mother and little sister from our abusive father. The adventures we would go on together, the places we would visit, the holidays we would take. We would finally be free to live our lives as a family.

During the summer of 2016, at the age of 25, my dream was finally achieved. On the 14th July 2016 I was in a moving van, fleeing from our family home with my mum, brother and our two dogs with me. At the time of the escape my sister, Charlotte, was on holiday with her boyfriend, returning to the new home 3 days later.

On 19th July 2016 my life changed forever. My father had arranged to meet Mum and Charlotte at the Spalding swimming pool car park to exchange documents and begin the process of divorce. Instead he was armed with a sawn-off shotgun. He murdered Mum and Charlotte in cold blood, before turning the gun on himself.

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My mum took swimming lessons at the age of 50, the last year of her life, so that she could join me when I went swimming. I'm completing a swimming challenge because Mum never got the chance to.

Charlotte loved to get outdoors and hike. One of her last holidays was a walking trip in Edinburgh, including climbing to the peak of Arthur's Seat. I'm completing a hiking challenge because Charlotte never got the chance to.

Every year in England and Wales, ~100 women are murdered by their current or former partner. I'm cycling the 100 miles of Ride London for those 100 women.

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Sadly, the story I have to tell is not unique. One woman in four will experience domestic abuse at some point in her lifetime. Refuge supports around 6,000 women & children on any given day, experiencing domestic and sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, stalking, trafficking, prostitution & so-called ‘honour’ based violence. 

By kindly sponsoring me today you are helping to save and change the lives of thousands of women and children escaping domestic abuse.Thank you.

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My events

14 July: Henley Swim Festival 4 Mile Challenge - (4 x 1 mile swims)
4 August - Ride London (100 mile cycle through London and Surrey)
7-8 September  - National 3 Peaks in 24 hrs