Zo's Half-Marathon for IMARA

As somebody who in May couldn't run 3 miles without wheezing and getting a stitch, I still can't believe I'm saying this...  

On Saturday 26th September, I will be running my first ever half marathon, and I will be running for IMARA. I have worked for IMARA for almost 3 years and they are a charity very close to my heart. IMARA is a specialist service that supports children, young people and their families in Nottingham following a disclosure of child sexual abuse.  

• Up to 1 in 4 children in the UK have been sexually abused. 
• Disabled children are 3 times more likely to be sexually abused. 
• Over 90% of children who experience sexual abuse were abused by someone they knew for example a relative, family friend, or neighbour. 

IMARA are an early intervention service which aims to ensure the children, young people and families who access the service feel safe and supported towards their recovery. Your donation will help IMARA continue to provide support to survivors and their families in three ways:

• Legal: Providing information, practical and emotional support throughout the criminal justice process, supporting children at Video Interview and Forensic Medical Examinations
• Therapeutic: Therapy sessions to children, siblings and parents to help with recovery in areas such as anxiety, depression and flashbacks.
• Advocacy: Supporting children and their families with education, health, housing and financial concerns.

Training for this event during lockdown has been a massive physical and psychological challenge, and the thought of running this distance still scares me silly! Some days, the thought of my clients has been the main thing that's kept me going.

So please dig deep and donate whatever you can spare for this wonderful cause.

Thank you so much for your support :)