A Trafford councillor ran a half marathon through snow and ice to raise money to stop violence against women and girls.
Coun Joanne Harding, councillor for Urmston, managed to complete the 13.1 miles of the West Coast half marathon in a respectable two hours and 30 minutes, through a blizzard in aid of the Trafford Rape Crisis charity.
The executive member for adult services said shortly after the half: “For women everywhere affected by rape, sexual violence. This is for you. I managed 2hr30 and I will take that. Never again, blizzard and snow. Sunday dinner and glass of fizzy stuff now.”
Having smashed the original £200 target for her fundraising, Coun Harding has now raised more than £2,200 and counting.
She said: “Rape crisis centres do such incredible work in supporting victims to understand rape is not their fault. It isn’t about the clothes you wear, how late you are out at night, if you have had too much to drink. The onus is on the person who raped you.
“We have such a long way to go to end violence against women and girls but Trafford Rape Crisis is a service that is here to let women know they are not alone.
“I am a woman in a position of influence and I will use my voice loudly and proudly to support other women in speaking out.
“I am delighted to support this local charity in the incredible work they do. We set a target of £250 and smashed it and are now at £2,200. I’m running for women everywhere who need support to find their voice.”
Coun Harding’s fundraising page is still open and can be found here.
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