I am running the Great Manchester 10K run tomorrow, in a bid to raise money for Manchester Women's aid, an independent charity that works tirelessly to protect women and children who're victims of sexual/domestic violence.

An example of this work includes offering safe housing for victims in refuges, across Manchester, providing safety and protection, in order to empower these victims.

I apologise for the delay in setting up in this page up as I always feel cheeky asking people to donate.. oh well better late than never! Also, I feel that this amazing charity truly do deserve recognition for the work they do for victims of sexual/domestic abuse and any donation (however little or large) will be greatly appreciated by myself, the charity and most importantly- the charity users.

I have chosen to do this charity for a number of reasons. From my experience from placement where I have looked after women who have credited this charity as the reason why they're still alive and speak nothing but positively about this charity. This is for a very special individual who has survived this, who I am so proud of! And for all the victims who're living in fear today and for those who are tragically not with us today anymore.

Looking after victims of domestic/ sexual abuse during my training, has really made me realise how important it is that awareness is raised amongst us all, the harrowing statistics show that it is something that is not decreasing in incidence:

- 2 Women are killed every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner

- 1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes

- In 90% of domestic violence incidents in family households, children were in the same or next room , 62% of these children are also directly harmed.

- 30% of domestic violence starts or gets more abusive during pregnancy.

I apologise for the essay and am not trying in anyway to guilt people into donating... it is something that I just feel very passionate about and raised awareness does no harm!

Thank you to everyone who reads this/ donates.....

p.s please don't forget to tick the gift aid box- doesn't cost you any extra!