A North Tyneside priest has raised more than £1,200 for Rape Crisis after completing a 30-day running challenge.
Revd Dr Rae Caro, Priest in Charge of St Mark’s Shiremoor, ran every day throughout the charity’s ‘Step out in Solidarity’ fundraising event – launched to coincide with the beginning of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
Rae covered an incredible 150km over the course of the challenge which finished on 8 March, International Women’s Day.
In total, she raised £1265 for Rape Crisis England and Wales which will help the charity to continue their vital work in supporting victims and survivors of sexual abuse.
Rae said: “My goal was to go for a run every day to raise money for Rape Crisis, and to cover 100km over the 30 days – in the end I ran 152.2km. A year ago I couldn't even run 5km so running the equivalent of 5km every day has been a big step up for me.
“Walking with victims and survivors of sexual violence has always been a significant part of my calling and it means so much to me to be able to raise money for Rape Crisis England and Wales. The work they do is life-saving and though they are a secular charity, I believe that they are a real source of resurrection life for women and girls who have experienced rape and sexual abuse. I know so many victims and survivors who have flourished with help from their incredible work.
“Thank you to every single person who donated, every penny means so much - St Mark's has been an amazing support!”
More than one in five women and one in 20 men have experienced rape or sexual assault as adults, and one in 20 children in the UK have experienced sexual abuse.
To find out more about the work of Rape Crisis, click here.
There’s still time to donate to Rae’s fundraising challenge – visit her JustGiving page here.