Hello all, I hope you are well!


Today's post is going to be a little different to the usual reviews and raves. 


I was recently asked to participate in Benefit cosmetics Mascarathon which was in aid of the charity Refuge who are a domestic violence charity; this was one opportunity which I could not turn down. 


Though I myself have not experienced any sort of domestic abuse, I have been incredibly moved by the stories I have read and the struggles victims have faced when seeking help and safety. One theme running throughout the accounts is that of strength and surviving. These women are strong, inspiring individuals who I am completely in awe of. To go through what they have and come out so strong and determined is incredible; they are people to be looked up to for definite. 


The charity itself provide refuges, outreach services and legal assistance amongst other things to help those who are in need but as always they are a charity so they need assistance to continue with their wonderful work and I was delighted that I could use my two mile run to help raise vital funds for them. 


The mascarathon featured a number of runners (myself included) running two mile legs from Edinburgh to London. The significance of those two miles being that throughout the UK "two women are killed by a current or former partner". Two women too many. 


I can't express just how amazing the work Refuge does is and yet I am ashamed to say that until I engaged with the Mascarathon I knew very little about them. That said, since my Mascarathon experience, Refuge are a charity I will definitely be championing in the future. I feel that to an extent there is too little exposure to the issue and the charities which are there to help so I'm going to use what little power I have to help and keep the funds rolling in for an amazing charity.


For more information on the Mascarathon head over to - http://www.mascarathon.co.uk/
For more information on Refuge check out - http://refuge.org.uk/
Lastly, to donate either check out the Just Giving page here - http://www.justgiving.com/mascarathon/ or alternatively text BENE02 and the amount you wish to donate to 70070


All and any donations are much appreciated and remember the cause! Every penny counts and could potentially save a woman's life.




Lastly, here are a few snaps from the day itself...