Charity run inspired by survivor aims to raise funds to support women and girls affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

The ITS NOT OK 5K! takes place this August and is inspired by a survivor called Sam. Sam donned her running shoes and ran 5k to raise funds for the Women’s Centre Cornwall in March. As the charity already had plans for a summer event it decided to expand on the name Sam had already created and create a virtual fun run for the charity.

The event takes place on Friendship Day which is August 1st. The charity is encouraging entrants to take part in the 5k with friends and family, as long as they follow current COVID restrictions, and walk, jog, run, dance, or swim the distance whilst raising funds.

Entry to the event is ￡5 plus booking fee, anyone who raises over ￡20 will receive a medal and the entrant who raises the most money will also receive some prizes. 

Sam said: “I decided to do the 5k to raise money and awareness for the women’s Centre as their work is life-changing and I have so much love for everyone there, I also wanted to raise awareness that they are there and can support any woman or girl that needs it as not many people are aware of their amazing service.

“I called it ‘it’s not ok 5k’ because that’s what it was a 5k to say it’s not ok, enough is enough and that more needs to be done to support women or girls effected by any form of violence or abuse.”

Fundraiser Tamsin Chapman-Gunner Said: “When Sam started fundraising for her 5k we were inspired by the name she had chosen, and we were delighted when she said she was happy for us to expand on it.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that we have to think more strategically about what events we run and a virtual 5k that anyone can take part in anywhere provides an opportunity for us to reach more supporters. We also hope that events such as these will help increase awareness of our service and encourage more people who need us to reach out.”

To book your place visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/its-not-ok-5k-tickets-151199534879 or go to Eventbrite and search for the Women’s Centre Cornwall. For more information email [email protected]

If you are a women or girl over the age of 12 who has been affected by domestic or sexual abuse you can speak to us by calling our helpline. Our helpline is available Monday to Friday 10am to1pm and Monday and Thursday evenings 6 to 9pm by calling 01208 77099.

The threat and reality of male violence affects all women and girls. After more than 25 years of work in Cornwall, The Women’s Centre Cornwall still identifies that sexual and domestic violence are the biggest barriers to women’s empowerment. In addition to providing specialist support to survivors of abuse, the organisation actively reaches out to women who are at risk of abuse, marginalised women and those who experiencing a negative impact in their daily lives due to the consequences of being abused. They want all women and girls to have their full human rights, reach their potential and actively participate in their own lives and communities.

Sexual and domestic abuse are deeply traumatic experiences with serious and longstanding consequences including negative impacts upon relationships, self-worth, ability to concentrate, confidence, health, and wellbeing. Many women will experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The Women’s Centre Cornwall’s empowerment model of support helps women and girls to understand what has happened to them and how it has affected them. With the support of the Women’s Centre Cornwall, women and girls are able to move on with their lives, restore their sense of wellbeing and have a much better chance of reaching their potential and living happy, fulfilling lives.

For more information on the Women’s Centre Cornwall visit www.womenscentrecornwall.org.uk or find them on Facebook.