and my running club Actively Stronger, I'm ready for the challenge. I'm raising money and awareness for West Mercia Women's Aid because the charity is close to my heart, I have personally seen the result that a domestic violence relationship can do to a woman and child.

For those of you that know me, you will know I do not share personal information in a public place, but I feel that this time I should go for it.So here we go...

Between 2002 and 2007 I was subjected to physical , emotional, coercive and financial abuse from my ex-husband and  ex-in laws.

I came to the UK, from France just over 25 yrs ago! All was fine, but as soon as I had my daughter, they, the in-laws, wanted to control the situation, along with their son, my ex, they wanted to control me too. I was made to feel inadequate, told I was a useless mother, harassed at work, assaults & threats to kill, I was not allowed to meet friends. I tried to leave, on many occasions, but my daughter was my life. I eventually left the matrimonial home, and with my young daughter had my own place, but even then the abuse started again. One day they assaulted me, and I thought I was going to die. I sought out the courts protection through an injunction, and started legal proceedings. The police wanted to prosecute, but threats were made to me, to drop it, and they wanted me to hand my daughter over to them, my in-laws. I felt I had no choice, I was scared, tired and demoralised, I had lost self-esteem and confidence. I had little family support here in the UK, as my family were back in France, I felt very scared, alone and frightened. It was then that I managed to strike up enough courage and energy to contact West Mercia Women's Aid, without whom I would not be here today. Sadly to this day, I only see my daughter each Saturday, as she continues to live with them. I miss her very much. I want to help those who are in the same predicament as I was back then.

One woman in four will experience domestic violence at some point in her life time and two woman are killed each week in England and Wales by a current  or former partner. By kindly sponsoring me today you are helping to save and change the lives of hundreds of women and children escaping domestic violence.

If you are worried or frightened by your partner or your ex-partner, a family member or someone close to you, please ring West Mercia Women's Aid helpline for support, advice and information about your options.

24 HR DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE 0800 980 331(Worcestershire)

                                                                   0808 2000 247 (National)