[A] brave survivor of child sexual abuse, who recently shared her personal story, has spoken of her pride at finishing the Great Cumbrian Run and smashing her original fundraising target.
Amanda Baillie, who last month revealed she had been sexually abused as a child, shared her story ahead of taking on the Great Cumbrian Run for the NSPCC.
As well as finishing her first ever race in 2 hours 36 minutes, Amanda has also raised £1,160 to date – well exceeding her initial target of £1,000.
Amanda said: “I did it! That was one of the toughest physical and mental challenges I have ever taken on, and my ankle almost gave up on me but I got across that line.
“I just want to say a few thank-yous – firstly to Jamie for being so amazingly supportive and putting up with me flapping about it for weeks. I know it’s not been easy for you. Then to everyone who has sponsored me or sent messages of support it means the world and I have now raised over £1,000.
“I would also like to say thank you to my best friend Jenna Sutherland for following me around the race route today and giving me encouragement and a boost, to Laura Magri McAlindon for doing my hair this morning – it stayed put until the end!
“To my boss Sammy Norman – you are a legend thanks for joining me across the line a true gent and scholar! Sandra Jones and Mark Jones from NSPCC have also been brilliant and supported me all the way through this journey.
“There are so many amazing people in my life and I love you all, I know all the money raised and my determination will help other kids and for that I am so proud.”
There is still time to sponsor Amanda via her just giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-baillie
If you would like to find out more about fundraising opportunities with NSPCC Cumbria, please email Sandra Jones at [email protected]