Domestic abuse survivor to raise money for Refuge with run

Cath Prescott, is raising money for Refuge, a charity that remains extremely close to her heart after she survived an abusive relationship.

Refuge is the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK. Its services support thousands of women and their children, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives — free from fear.

Cath, who has volunteered with Carlisle Foodbank for the past eight years, has already raised more than £2,000 via her JustGiving page, a feat she was more nervous about than the marathon itself. 

She said: "I have absolutely no doubt that Refuge help so many women escape abusive relationships and support them in getting their lives back. I am a survivor, and while it still takes a lot for me to trust and to love, and PTSD means I still struggle with my mental health, I'm still here to tell my story and hopefully give some strength and confidence to those who are currently in the position I was. There's a way out, and Refuge will help."

Cath Prescott (Image: Supplied)

Cath is now preparing herself for the final few training runs before the big day in London on April 21. 

She said: "Running doesn't come naturally for me, it's something I took up again at the age of 41. I train hard, I work hard, and raising money for Refuge is my motivation to get out there even when things aren't as easy."

Cath isn't stopping there however, as she has also organised an afternoon concert fundraiser, featuring her father David and soprano singer Leigh Rhianon Coggins, at the Fratry Hall in Carlisle on April 24.

She concluded: "Fundraising for Refuge has honestly been amazing. I knew it would be tough at times, especially in a cost of living crisis, but I think the fact that I've always been so open and honest about my own experience meant people have been keen to support me from the start."