Swanscombe mother, 43-year-old Maureen Ejimofor is taking part in the London Marathon to raise funds for Choices, the Dartford-based charity that offers emergency accommodation, support and advice to people affected by domestic abuse.

Six years ago Maureen fled with her two children from a 10-year abusive relationship, staying in refuge and receiving housing and legal advice, and education and emotional support until the family could rebuild their lives.

Now working for Kent Community Health Trust, Maureen says: “I am running to raise awareness of the valuable support Choices gives to people in these circumstances.”

Maureen is full of enthusiasm for the task ahead. Not only is she putting in hours of training, she is raising money through social media and approaching work colleagues, local shops and companies for donations. Her target is £1,500.

You can read Maureen’s story and offer her support and encouragement by sponsoring her here http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=MaureenEjimofor

Choices is a self- help organisation which has four houses in Gravesham and Dartford, offering accommodation for 17 women and up to 35 children, and aftercare when they leave. There is also a hostel in Gravesend, which provides emergency accommodation and support for young homeless people aged between16 and 24 years.

The charity also provides education programmes on relationship awareness for schools. 

Based on information supplied by Isobel Kesby.