My name is Sophia Barnes and I am a survivor of domestic abuse. 

I am running this years Willmott Dixon Midlands Trainee Challenge.

You can watch the launch video here: https://youtu.be/YlI3BTqY_eU 

 The aim of the challenge is to raise awareness of domestic abuse and support my local women's refuge (Boston Women's Aid) by creating a 'Zen garden' where the women and their children can go to think and recover. I also hope to create a useable space for the children to play safely which will include a sand pit and raised beds so that the refuge can Grow their own veg. I also plan to gift leavers from refuge a basic toolbox to enable them to be more self sufficient and empower them to tackle their own DIY! 

I will be running employability workshops and building a survivors package for the women in refuge, helping to encourage them back into employment. I work for a construction company and was previously working on the tools as a carpenter. I plan to promote construction as a valid and rewarding career choice for any woman and assist in forging links from the women in refuge to potential employment or further education.

Please give whatever you can spare, domestic abuse affects so many lives and your donation will be paramount in aiding a survivors recovery.

As part of its social and community investment commitment, my employer, Willmott Dixon, wants to back the personal causes of the people who work for the Company. A contribution will therefore be made to Women's Aid and Boston Women's Aid from The Willmott Dixon Foundation for every donation made through this ‘JustGiving’ page. Please be assured that your contribution to my fundraising will reach my charity.