As a small charity, we depend on charitable donations for all areas of our work. Without them, SEA wouldn’t exist. This year, SEA super supporter Abby Riach has been raising vital funds through a series of fundraising challenges. Despite juggling a Master’s degree in law and a role at her local rape crisis centre, Abby has already raised over £200 this year for SEA.
We sat down with Abby to find out more about her and discuss her latest fundraising challenge!
1. Abby, how did you first hear about Surviving Economic Abuse?
I found out about SEA while researching for my MA Law project. I was interested in doing something about Violence Against Women and Girls but also wanted to focus on a topic I’d never really heard of before or that was not really talked about. I’d seen and heard of examples of economic abuse before but never heard it named economic/financial abuse. I knew I needed to research more on this and I came across the charity in doing so. As soon as I saw the website and read the information I knew this was what I wanted to focus on.
2. What inspired you to start the fundraiser?
I’ve always been a keen fundraiser doing various events, such as runs, swims and cycles, and thought I’d challenge myself coming out of the last lockdown to my biggest fundraiser yet. Of course, beyond that, I was also really keen to combine my studies with something that actually helps people affected by the issue and I’d heard some really powerful testimonies about the work the charity does so chose to support SEA from that point.
3. What has been the highlight so far?
I think the highlight of my fundraising year so far was completing my half marathon and getting closer to the first fundraising goal of £250.
4. What has been most challenging?
The most challenging part was having to finish the last challenge early due to injury. I took a little time to rest after the half marathon and felt really prepared to start this challenge and was really motivated and enjoying running plus I was upset at not being able to continue the fundraising. I learned to rest though and am super ready to start a new challenge.
5. What are you planning for the final part of the year?
I started a challenge earlier this year that involved 95 days of running to signify the 95% of cases of domestic violence where economic abuse is also experienced but unfortunately had to cut that short due to injury so will be starting a new challenge with a wee twist. It will be 95 days of workouts this time! I’ll be combining running, spinning, yoga, Pilates & other workouts each day for the 95 days running up to New Year.
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6. Why do you think SEA is a charity worth supporting?
SEA does ground-breaking work and already in the first few years of running they have made so much progress in raising awareness, increasing recognition of economic abuse and providing support to survivors. The work they do is really vital work and often goes unrecognised which leaves survivors long-term financial stability at risk. Especially at this time with the cost of living crisis already leaving people significantly less well off, their work is even more important.
Surviving Economic Abuse is a registered charity. If you would like to support our work you can make a donation or become a regular giver. Visit our donations page for more information.
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