Though I was in no way expecting to be offered a place on the London Marathon when I entered the oversubscribed ballot last year, I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, and so I have been working on making progress to the 26.2 miles distance ever since.

I have chosen to run for Refuge charity to raise funds and awareness for survivors of domestic abuse, a cause that is very dear to my heart.  My career with the police back home in Yorkshire, saw me take on two roles connected to supporting and protecting women who were trying to break away from their abusive partners. I saw their daily struggle and the bravery it took to try and remove themselves from their situation. On my arrival in London a few years ago, I was even lucky enough to spend a brief period working for Refuge, an organisation that works tirelessly to help to save and change the lives of thousands of women and children escaping domestic violence.

Yet despite my professional experience, nothing prepared me for dealing with the ongoing domestic abuse of my bestest friend and little sister throughout the recent pandemic. Witnessing first-hand the impact of such violent and mental abuse, I can appreciate even more how important the work of charities such as Refuge are in helping women, not only to take the first steps to get away from their abuser but in enabling them to stay away from them in the longer term. 

With the unceasing love and support of family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and organisations like Refuge, I have seen how lives can be turned around, and how women like my nearest and dearest can become their best selves and inspire people like me to get out and run a marathon so that many more like them can do the same.

Thank you !!!

Imogen x