We have set ourselves an ambitious goal - one that pushes our limits both physically and mentally. With just 13 weeks of intense training (starting at the end of August), we aim to prepare ourselves to each run a half marathon. Nobody in our team has had experience of running like this before, so this challenge is not just a personal test of endurance and resilience, but a mission with a purpose that goes far beyond the finish line.

We are going to be taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for two incredible charities: EmilyTest and Rape Crisis Scotland 🩷💜

These organisations are at the forefront of supporting survivors of gender-based and sexual violence, offering critical services, advocacy, and education to ensure that every survivor has access to the help they need. The funds we raise will be split equally between the two charities, ensuring that both continue their life-saving work. We know first hand the importance of this, as we were brought together and became friends through our lived experience.

It is an absolute honour to represent these charities. EmilyTest was founded in memory of Emily Drouet, a beautiful young woman whose life was tragically cut short by domestic abuse. The charity tirelessly works to make educational environments safer and more supportive for students, so no one else has to endure what Emily did. Rape Crisis Scotland has been a beacon of hope for survivors of sexual violence across the country, providing crucial emotional support, counseling, and advocacy while leading the charge in prevention and public education efforts. We have added more information about both of the charities below.

Your support on this journey is deeply appreciated. Not only will it keep us motivated throughout our training and on race day, but it will also play a crucial role in raising awareness and providing essential resources for survivors. Every donation, every word of encouragement, helps to amplify the voices of those affected by gender-based and sexual violence, ensuring they are heard, supported, and empowered to reclaim their lives. We cannot thank you enough for standing with us and these two remarkable organisations.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the fight against gender-based and sexual violence.

Thank you so much for your generosity, encouragement, and belief in this cause.

Time to get our trainers on!

With Love,
Miss C, Hannah R, Hannah S, Jennifer, Miss J and Sophie x

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Here is some more information on our wonderful charities:

EMILYTEST

EmilyTest is a pioneering charity in Scotland dedicated to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) within higher and further education institutions. Founded in 2018 in memory of Emily Drouet, a 19-year-old student who tragically lost her life to domestic abuse while attending university to study law, the organisation is driven by the mission to ensure that no other student suffers as Emily did. The charity was established by Fiona Drouet, Emily's mother, who turned her personal tragedy into a powerful movement for change. EmilyTest works to create safer educational environments by advocating for systemic reforms, providing training, and developing resources to help institutions better support students who experience GBV. One of the charity's flagship initiatives is the EmilyTest Charter, which sets out a comprehensive framework for colleges and universities to follow in order to effectively prevent and respond to GBV on campus. The Charter includes guidelines on creating robust reporting mechanisms, offering specialised support services, and fostering a culture of zero tolerance towards violence and abuse. In addition to advocacy and policy work, EmilyTest offers educational programs that raise awareness about the signs of abuse and promote healthy relationships among students. The charity collaborates with various stakeholders, including educational leaders, policymakers, and students themselves, to ensure that the voices of survivors are heard and that meaningful, lasting change is achieved. EmilyTest is committed to transforming the culture around gender-based violence in educational settings, providing a vital lifeline for students, and honoring Emily’s memory through their ongoing work to protect others.

RAPE CRISIS SCOTLAND

Rape Crisis Scotland is Scotland’s leading organisation working to transform attitudes, improve responses and ultimately to end rape and sexual violence in all its forms. Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) works to raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of rape, sexual assault and abuse, advocate for better health, justice and community responses, and work to make sure that no matter what happened or when, survivors can access specialist support. Rape Crisis Scotland works with a network of member centres which offer support across Scotland. RCS also runs the National Advocacy Service, which supports survivors thinking of reporting or engaged with the criminal justice system, to navigate the process from start to finish. RCS is also at the forefront of public education and policy advocacy, aiming to create societal change through awareness-raising campaigns, training programs, and influencing legislation. Their work includes collaborating with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve responses to sexual violence, ensuring that survivors receive the justice and support they deserve. One of RCS's key initiatives is its national helpline, which offers free, confidential support to anyone affected by sexual violence, regardless of when or where the incident occurred. The organisation also focuses on prevention, running educational programs that challenge the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to sexual violence. Rape Crisis Scotland is committed to creating a society where sexual violence is not tolerated, and survivors are empowered to speak out and seek help. Through their tireless work, they strive to change societal attitudes, support survivors, and advocate for systemic change to reduce and ultimately eliminate sexual violence in Scotland.

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