Running for Girls To The Front: Southend Survivors
This year I'm running the Brighton Marathon (April 6th) and Lee Valley Half (June 21st) to raise funds for Girls to the Front—a peer-led wellbeing group in Southend-on-Sea supporting young girls (12–18) who have survived sexual violence.
Girls to the Front is not like a normal youth club. It is a space for young survivors to help rebuild confidence, form friendships, and feel empowered without having to justify or explain their experiences. What started with just eight girls has grown to 25 who meet regularly for arts, activism, mindfulness, day trips, and more—all peer-led and designed by them, facilitated by staff. From feminist poster-making to beach cleans, from book clubs to football matches, this group is about re-empowering survivors to explore the world on their own terms and a reminder that they are not alone.
Any funds raised will go towards helping keep these vital sessions running, ensuring these young girls continue to have a place of safety, connection, and empowerment.
Please donate if you can, and share to spread the word—especially to anybody you know in or around Southend who may benefit from SOSRC's services.
I'm also aiming to set a personal half-marathon best at the Lee Valley Velodrome, so every pound donated will be extra motivation for me to strengthen my two dodgy knees!
In their words:
“This group gave me the community that I need.”
“Group is an amazing place the environment is so kind and welcoming. The people who managed it are the kindest and sweetest people in the world who genuinely care about us and their job ”
“I love group because it’s a nice environment that makes me feel safe, group makes me feel like my voice is heard. All the people who attend are so sweet and accepting.”
“I’ve been coming to this group for almost 2 years now, and I appreciate being surrounded by people who understand each other. The group has supported me enough to ask for help from my school and parents. However, one of the best aspects of group is how I’ve made such good friends here; every person I have met is so supportive, kind, and creative. I can’t imagine my life not going to the group.”