Worthing boy takes on Couch to 5k to be able to run away from bullies

The Covid-19 lockdown has given nine-year-old Stanley Tunnicliffe Young and his mother Karen Young, 45, the opportunity to ‘do something special’ together and the running challenge was a good time to talk.

Karen explained it was through their running conversations that they decided to support Refuge, a charity supporting women and children while working against domestic violence.

Karen said: “Stanley and I started on our journey as we wanted to do something special together during Covid-19 lockdown.

“Also, I wanted to get fit and Stanley wanted a six pack and to be able to run away from any bullies.

“It has given us space to talk about Stanley’s special interests, his fears and worries and life during lockdown.

“On one of our runs, Stan told me about a character in Percy Jackson, a series he is currently reading, who has an abusive parent. This conversation led to us talking about the children and women who are struggling more than ever during lockdown at the hands of an abusive men.

“So, we agreed we would try to raise money to help them. Every kind and generous donation has helped to motivate us and has kept us going.”

It was not easy and Stanley fell a few times while running but he never gave up.

Karen said: “So proud of his resilience and determination, as he had a couple of nasty falls but kept going. In week eight, he even managed a 28-minute run in the heat.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stanandkaren to make a donation.

Karen said: “One woman in four will experience domestic violence at some point in her lifetime and two women are killed each week in England and Wales by a current or former partner. Refuge supports around 6,000 women and children on any given day, experiencing domestic and sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, stalking, trafficking, prostitution and so-called honour-based violence. By kindly sponsoring me today you are helping to save and change the lives of thousands of women and children escaping domestic violence. Thank you.”

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