Abi’s 3 Yorkshire Peak Challenge

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of SURVIVE  and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. Keep reading below to find out more about Survive and my story :)

On 29th of May, myself along with my family will be taking on the 3 Yorkshire peaks to raise money for Survive.

Survive is a local charity who offer a free service to all of those who have experienced sexual trauma. They understand how any form of trauma can have long-term effect on many. Survive take the first step in rebuilding  your life and potential.

On 29 May 2021 I was sexually assaulted in Nottingham city centre. I was put in a position where a man had uninvitedly came over and put me in an uncomfortable situation where I could not get away. I spent my summer in therapy and taking medication hoping in September I would be able to return to my home in Nottingham. However, very sadly Nottingham soon became a place of trauma and I was finding myself in a position where I did not want to leave my house. Balancing studies and my mental health became increasingly hard. I made the decision that for me to recover I had to leave Nottingham behind.  As you can imagine leaving behind some of my closest friends and a university which I worked hard to get in was unbelievably hard and something I never thought would ever happen. It was one of the hardest yet best decision I had ever made. Being sexually assault has meant that temporarily I have lost more than I would of liked to. It’s still hurts to think that the university I assumed would be my home is a place where I don’t believe I will ever be able to return to. 

However, being sexually assaulted does not define me. It has changed the way I go about my life but I know that in the end I will become much stronger. No women nor man should ever have to experience any form of assault or harassment. I wish that no one ever has to ever experience what I and so many others have had to go through. 

After my assault I didn’t feel safe, and though this is still the case, the help of survive meant I have been able to start the process of feeling safe in my own skin and around others. They provided me with a safe environment to talk openly about all my feelings. It is truly amazing what a listening ear can do to ones mental health. It allowed me to explore different ranges of emotions and talk about anything and everything. 

My aim is to raise awareness about sexual assault and the importance of consent. Though  raising money will not solve everything it will offer more survivors to have the opportunity to start rebuilding their life. Talking has been my way to start to cope with the changes in my life. Without the help of survive I would not be here today. The help they have given me and so many others, has taught me how I am not alone in this journey. Despite what my brain may tell me I did not deserve to be sexually assaulted. 

I’m sharing my story not only to raise awareness but to also tell any other sexual assault survivors that time does heal and there is people who will help. 

It’s okay to not be okay. Please reach out to friends, family and professionals. Nobody deserves to suffer alone❤️

Please if you can donate a small amount I will be so so grateful. This charity is so important to me and many others!