Since agreeing to enter the GNR I have been asked 'who's your charity? who will you raise money for?' I have so many charities that have touched my life that I could have chosen; Diabetes, Stroke, Alzheimer's, Cancer research, but I realised this was an opportunity to give something back to a charity that without their support, I simply would not be the person I am today. 

I am a survivor of abuse, (yes, you read that correctly) and I am proud to say Arch North  East helped me to overcome the impact those events had on my life.  

My story is not unusual; there are thousands upon thousands of people who are survivors and it may come as shock to think of me as one of them. I have thought long and hard about sharing this part of me in such a public way, but thanks to Arch North East, I am not ashamed of who I am, and frankly I'm not ashamed to ask you all to donate as much as you can for this amazing organisation.

Becuase of the support and therapy Arch North East gave me, being a survivor of abuse is no longer a defining part of my life, it's history, and I want others to be able to enjoy the freedom that comes from receiving support from a charity that really does work. 

Abuse exists in the shadows; in the dark where it can't be seen, and where it can be maintianed. We need to shine a light on it to expose it and to deny it the envronment it craves and needs. This is my way of shining that light as brightly as I can.

So, thanks to Arch North East, you have me; a happy, peaceful and ever so slightly bonkers me! Now that's worth a few quid don't you think?  

Thank you so much, and please, please give generously 

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.