Ayesha Butt
My Story
I'll be running my first marathon, the London Marathon, for Staying Put - a domestic abuse charity.
Movement has always helped me stay grounded both physically and mentally. This time I’m using it for something bigger than me.
We’re often told that 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse, but that’s just what’s reported. The real number is likely much higher. Many never come forward - out of fear, shame, or simply not knowing where to turn.
In South Asian communities, that silence is even deeper. Abuse is often treated as taboo - something to be endured quietly, rather than talked about or challenged. That means so many stories never make it to the surface.
As a young South Asian woman, I’m running to challenge that silence, and to show that we can take up space. In our healing. In our stories. And yes, in spaces like this marathon where we’re not often seen.
I’m not a seasoned runner. But I am determined. And I will cross that finish line - for myself, for the women who came before me, and for those still finding their strength.
Your support doesn’t just help me get to the finish line, it helps women take their first step toward safety. Here’s what your donation could help provide:
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£8 – a pair of fleecy pyjamas for a woman fleeing abuse
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£12 – a month’s worth of essential toiletries
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£24 – a bale of towels for someone starting over
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£52 – a week’s worth of food for two people in refuge
If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Whether you donate, share, or simply take a moment to read, you’re part of this too.
This isn’t just about running 26.2 miles.
It’s about helping others start their own journey, one step at a time.
See you at the finish line...
