Thank you for supporting me as I fundraise for Million Women Rise by running my first marathon.

I’m ending my 50th year by running the beautiful Loch Ness marathon on 2 October 2022 - my first marathon! From not being able to run the whole 5k at my local Parkrun a few years ago, I ran my first half marathon in 2021 and am now hooked and can’t imagine my life without running. I have no idea if my first marathon will be my only marathon, but if it is then what a beautiful place to do it - and what an incredible group to fundraise for.

Male violence against women and girls is a constant daily experience for women: from street harassment, poor access to women’s reproductive health services and abortion, domestic violence and rape. In the UK:

Two women are murdered every week by their partner or ex-partner.

One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute.

One woman in four will experience sexual assault as an adult.

250 cases of forced marriage are reported each year.

Up to 1,420 women per year are trafficked into the UK for sexual exploitation

One woman a month is murdered in the name of ‘so called’ honour.

More than 20,000 girls could be at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the UK.

Million Women Rise works to end all forms of violence against women and girls, and celebrates women's strength, differences and diversity. Find out more about their work here http://www.millionwomenrise.com/about-us.html

Too many women aren’t safe when they go out running, or at home, or at work. I’m running this marathon inspired and energised by women’s survival and activism, and alongside and in memory of women harmed and killed by male violence.

I’ll be posting training updates, as well as updates about Million Women Rise events and work, so you can join me on my journey to Loch Ness!