Determination to tackle child sexual abuse in Plymouth fuels NSPCC workers' month-long fundraiser

Children's charity colleagues in Plymouth have walked more than 2,000 kilometres as part of a lengthy challenge to help fund their work in the city keeping children safe from harm.

Inspired by the NSPCC's Run30 fundraising challenge, which encourages people to run, walk or jog 30k in 30 days, the team embarked on an epic fundraiser of their own.

The co-workers have surpassed their target to cover 1,846km between them during July by walking, jogging and running the distance between the four NSPCC Together for Childhood sites across the UK, of which Plymouth is one.

The partnership programme is being piloted in Ernesettle and aims to prevent child sexual abuse by reinforcing simple safeguarding messages in communities to build confidence in adults to protect children from abuse.

"Virtually, we made it to Stoke on Trent, Grimsby, and Glasgow before covering the distance back to our centre in Plymouth," says Children's Service Practitioner, Sarah Cox who organised the challenge.

"In fact we have been so resolute to complete the challenge that we exceeded that distance altogether, clocking up more than 2,150 kilometres around our work and family lives.

"There are some very tired legs in the team, but we are delighted to have been able to work together to complete this challenge and achieve our personal goals."

The co-workers have raised more than £2,200 for their work in the city, including the preventative Together for Childhood programme. The NSPCC is one of around 30 partners working on initiative in the city.

In addition to its preventative work, the charity also offers therapeutic services to children and young people whose lives have been affected by sexual abuse.

Sarah added: "We are all too aware of the devastating impact that abuse can have on children, and with our Together for Childhood work we're determined to prevent it from happening in the first place.

"We have been completely overwhelmed by the support we have had from family, friends and members of the public, cheering us on every step.

"It's definitely helped us get through this month-long challenge and we are thrilled to have raised so much money for our work, which we know can be life-changing."

The NSPCC in Plymouth has started welcoming some families back to its centre by appointment only, with work taking place virtually where possible.

Caroline Morgan, Supporter Fundraising Manager for the NSPCC in the South West says: "Our colleagues in Plymouth have shown that together we can continue to raise crucial funds even when we are apart.

"We rely on public donations for 90% of our income, and the team has done brilliantly – raising money so that the NSPCC is still here for children, young people and their families across Plymouth."

For more details on how the team completed their challenge visit their JustGiving page.

For more information on how to sign up for the Run30 challenge in visit the NSPCC website.

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk

Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may have.