Running the Bath Half Marathon for SARSAS

When I was at University, I was on a night out for my birthday when I was separated from my friends and suffered a serious and traumatising sexual assault. After this happened, I struggled with my mental health and the trauma related to the incident, lacking self worth and skills such as assertiveness. 

I reached out for support some time later and that is when I was referred to SARSAS - Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support. SARSAS evaluated my case and were able to provide me with free specialist counselling. In these sessions, I wasn’t just talking about the assault and getting upset - I was learning life skills; learning about the science of trauma and how to deal with it, how to assert myself, how to value my own self worth, have healthy boundaries with others and so much more. I went from someone who was incredibly vulnerable to someone who is much stronger, resilient and kinder to myself in a matter of months because of the support I received from SARSAS. I will be grateful for them helping me to get my life back on track forever.

SARSAS is completely free for service users, and they currently have 434 women and men on their waiting list to receive support. Money raised through fundraising will be used to ensure SARSAS are able to support these individuals and employ specialist counsellors - just like they were able to support me and change my life.

I will be running the Bath Half Marathon for SARSAS and I am training hard - please consider donating to keep this incredible service going and to help people in their most vulnerable moments.