I'm taking part in a 24 hour grappling/BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) event where we'll be raising money in aid of Kinergy, a local Bristol charity. Kinergy provide professional counselling to survivors of sexual abuse and rape, helping them move on with their lives.

I've never entered a 24 hour event but I'm going to try my absolute best to make it as challenging as possible. My intention is to roll for at least 10 hours from 2pm - midnight and if I can survive any longer I will roll for as long as possible.

Please donate whatever you can to make a positive change (JustGiving functions outside the UK too). You can also donate via text message, by texting GRAP47 £1/5/10 (as appropriate) to 70070.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

For anyone else who would like to get involved. See further details on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/1414940695418987/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Here's what one of Kinergy's volunteers has to say about the charity:

“It’s an amazing charity with 22 volunteer counsellors that see up to three clients every week. Kinergy offers a year’s free counselling and is open to everyone, regardless of location, age or gender. It’s hard to put into words how amazing it is at Kinergy.

The waiting list is a year long: due to the lack of funding, Kinergy was forced to not take on any more referrals. It is hoping for more funding to support the service and create more referral opportunities.

Some clients come to Kinergy trying to deal with the indescribable levels of abuse they have faced, attempting to express themselves and gain some sense of what happened. Kinergy can give clients the tools to support themselves in the future.

The counselling can potentially be a huge step for a client. I have met many clients that feel they can’t speak out to get the support they need. Some abuse is hidden and spreading this message of support, even if it only reaches one survivor, could be life changing for that person.“

Alex