How a doctor is supporting domestic abuse victims in Trafford

A doctor from Trafford is running a marathon in honour of ‘his most vulnerable patients’.

Dr Simon Latham, a 36-year-old GP from Sale, has been inspired to run the London Marathon after working with domestic abuse victims.

He aims to raise more than £3,000 for Trafford Domestic Abuse Service (TDAS) – which has supported some of his patients.

One woman every week is reporting their partners in the police of domestic abuse (BirminghamLive)

Simon, who is based at Tower Family Healthcare, said: “As a GP, I often see people in difficult situations. Unfortunately, this includes patients who have experienced domestic abuse.

“Having a service such as TDAS available that is there to support some of my most vulnerable patients is vital.

“Last year, TDAS helped more than 1,400 people in our community.

“They make a massive difference to people’s lives and I’m proud to be supporting their work.”

Simon has run a number of parkruns, mainly at Wythenshawe Park and Sale Water Park and a couple of years ago started to run with Sale Harriers.

He trained to run his first marathon in London last year for TDAS but never got to run it.

He’s hoping that the extended time for training will help him this time round for his first ever marathon.

The London Marathon usually takes place in April, but has been pushed back to Sunday October 3 to allow for greater social distancing.

The London Marathon has been postponed (PA)

Simon often runs with his family, who are all members of Sale Harriers too.

Samantha Fisher, CEO from TDAS, said: “We have had an incredibly busy year and there has been high demand for our services right the way through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’re delighted that Simon is running the London Marathon to raise money for us.

“It’s the first time that we’ve had a supporter run the London Marathon for TDAS.

“If he hits his fundraising target, we’ll be able to deliver much needed group programmes to adults and children who have suffered the devastating effects of domestic abuse, exacerbated by the pandemic.

“We hope as many people as possible will sponsor Simon and cheer him on as he raises awareness of this important issue.”

To sponsor Simon’s London Marathon attempt, you can click here.