We are so proud and excited to have Rosie running the iconic London Marathon for Solace! Read her inspiring story below talking about why it was so important for her to complete this challenge.
“Without the support of Jo at Solace, I literally may not be here today…It will be one of the most emotional journeys I will make running this marathon”
I’m running for Solace as they have been my scaffolding for the past 18 months. Without the support of Jo at Solace, I literally may not be here today. Jo spoke to me at my very lowest point and knew what to do to provide support at a time where my mind was telling me “I cannot do this anymore”.
Solace identified my situation as Domestic Abuse. Whilst I may not fit the stereotypical view of what a Domestic Abuse survivor (and I call myself a survivor as I have survived), my journey over 19 years has been one of endurance and of never giving up.
I have been led to believe I am many things. Told that I cannot do many things, told that I have no friends, that I am wasting authority and charities time in ‘claiming’ to be a victim, and in fact because I have not been physically assaulted, I cannot possibly be a victim of Domestic Abuse.
This journey through lockdown and as I have found the courage to escape and change my life, has become like a marathon. A long, steady, battle of physical pain, emotional challenges, with obstacles along the way, but with a massive prize at the end.
I pleaded with Solace to run the marathon for them as it was a very tiny way in which I could pay them back for the support they have given me. I feel honoured to be raising awareness of this charity which covers Domestic Abuse but more importantly if I can highlight to one person, who could identify and understand Domestic Abuse and save someone else, my journey will not have been in vain.
It will be one of the most emotional journeys I will make running this marathon, as I am still living in my situation but I am determined to show I AM capable of achieving victory, in the face of adversity.
*Name changed to protect her identity.