Hello All!

I am running the 2024 Cambridge Half Marathon because I wanted to challenge myself and I hope you'll support me.

The first part of the challenge is the actual running...

I like running and am fairly fit but I have never pushed myself that far and aimed for a specific goal. Besides finishing in one piece, my aim is to finish fit and fast. I have recently started a training plan and I am excited by the challenge. Who knows, maybe I'll join 'run-tok' and produce insufferable reels about how running changed my life? Maybe I'll become an influencer and try and sell you supplements which you give you the 'runs'... ;)

We are a while away from such things, and the race (thank God because I have a ways to go...).

This is good. It means we have time to work on the second and most important part of the challenge: raising money for the Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre.

For more than 40 years CRCC has provided FREE, SPECIALIST support to women and girls across Cambridgeshire who have been subjected to sexual violence and abuse.

Recently, more local women and girls have reached out for support than ever before. There has been a major increase in the demand for their services.

I want to raise money for CRCC because they offer:

- Counselling and therapeutic advice.

- Anonymous support on the phone, by email and in person: they have fantastic available helplines.

- Advice on navigating criminal justice system.

- An emphasis on student support for universities and schools in Cambridge.

- Information and guidance on online safety.

- Support for men and boys who experience sexual violence.

In particular, they emphasis that part of the conversation around rape, sexual violence abuse is about the actual enabling of 'talk' around the subject.

CRCC actively cultivates spaces for necessary conversations. In these people can explore the topic and share their experiences: as survivors, friends, parents and carers, and professionals.

By donating to support my in my challenge, you will directly be supporting the maintenance of these vital spaces and the creations of new ones.

Hopefully, this small fundraiser can reflect the power and importance of keeping conversation around rape, sexual violence and abuse ongoing.

Thank you!