I am once again going to be running the London Marathon.
This year’s charities that I will be representing are NSPCC Cymru and Atal y Fro, a Vale charity that supports victims of domestic violence. I have come to know each as a result of the fantastic work they do across the Barry and the Vale.
The NSPCC do vital work to help children who have been abused to rebuild their lives. Every time you pass a school, 13 children are receiving support from children’s services. In Wales the NSPCC refers an average of 16 reports of child neglect every week to Welsh police and social services. The NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe campaign aims to give children the confidence to stay safe from abuse and speak out about their concerns.
Atal y Fro, is a local charity that supports victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of size, gender, or wealth. Atal y Fro helps victims to have the confidence to take action. They support families to break the cycle of violence and provide accommodation for women and their children.
I have come across some of the most horrendous cases of domestic abuse and child neglect at my constituency surgeries. I have been able to point victims to the NSPCC and to Atal y Fro and have seen first hand the transformation they have brought to the lives of local children and families.
I appreciate many calls are made in favour of needy causes and hope you are able to extend your generosity to help these charities. Knowing that funds depend on me completing the 26.2 mile course has a major influence on my motivation and morale along the highs and lows of the route!
Last year friends and colleagues kindly contributed almost £10,000 for Local pensioner charity, Age Connects and for the mental health charity, Heads Together.
I would love to be able to raise something similar this year.
You can donate online by clicking below:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlunCairns
Thank you again,
Alun Cairns