Mark Woodward
Brighton Marathon 23 for CRASAC
Fundraising for CRASAC
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my 2023 Brighton Marathon JustGiving page, where I am fundraising for an amazing Coventry charity CRASAC, that performs miracles without the benefit of any central funding.
A marathon is no walk in the park! As a #ReluctantRunner, who has only seen the benefits (and enjoyments) of running in the twilight of their athletic life, I have been inspired both by #CouchTo5K and #parkrunuk to challenge myself regularly.
Having completed 300+ 5k runs (#parkrun or #notparkrun) over the last 5 years, last year, I completed my first marathon, in Brighton, and, while it took me just under 6 hours, I beat my target time and was proud to raise £670 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Once was going to be enough, but I was fortunate enough to win a pair of Asics trainers and a place for 2023, so I am setting out to overcome the mental and physical challenges in training and on the day once again!
Last year I drove myself on with the incentive of a huge plate of fish and chips upon finishing the course, only to find I could not face anything more than a basic ham sandwich, a tub of Pringles and a Slush Puppy! This time, the knowledge that I am raising money for such a great charity will spur me on.
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Why CRASAC?
For a good many years, I have been aware of the amazing support CRASAC has offered young people I have mentored or coached, and I also wanted to support a local charity this time.
Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) is the only specialist service in Coventry which provides support to adults and children who have been impacted directly or indirectly by sexual violence or abuse at any time in their lives. This includes online abuse and exploitation.
This service aims to address the trauma and injustice of sexual abuse through specialist advocacy, counselling and psychotherapy, training, and prevention services, helping victims and survivors overcome the effects on well-being, physical and mental health, and regain the lost power and control as a result of sexual violence and abuse.
The demand for these services continues to rise and far exceeds capacity to deliver them. Over the last 5 years, the number of people on the waiting list increased by 350% (with over 500 people waiting to receive support) while funding has decreased in the same period.
Many survivors of sexual violence can wait up to 18 months to get the specialist counselling they so desperately need.
[For further info on CRASAC - http://www.crasac.org.uk/ - please like or follow their Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter feeds.]
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Contributing even just £1 will be so highly appreciated, even more so since I know only too well how tight budgets currently are for so many people.
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.