Lancaster mum's 13-mile run raises awareness of north west's domestic violence victims

A Lancaster woman ran 13 miles at the weekend to raise awareness of the numerous women killed by their abusive partners and ex-partners.
Anna Hopkins (centre) with Ruth Colbridge and Suzee Tylee.Anna Hopkins (centre) with Ruth Colbridge and Suzee Tylee.
Anna Hopkins (centre) with Ruth Colbridge and Suzee Tylee.

Last month, Anna Hopkins ran 125 miles in 13 days - which equals three 10 mile runs a week - and dedicated every run to a domestic violence homicide victim from across the north west.

And to finish her campaign, on Saturday Anna ran 13 miles from Lancaster University to Morecambe prom via Heysham.

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Along the way, Anna was joined by 13 people who joined her for a mile each. Each mile was dedicated to one of the victims Anna had already run for.

Anna's banner and some of the capes with women's names on.Anna's banner and some of the capes with women's names on.
Anna's banner and some of the capes with women's names on.

Friend Ali Brown made 13 orange capes with the victims' names on the back and all the runners ran with an orange banner - orange being the colour of the campaign eliminating violence against women.

"Lots of people beeped to show support (we hope) and in that day we received £400 in donations," Anna said.

"When we arrived at the clock tower we hung the orange capes on the railing of the prom and I said a few words about what we as society needed to do to try and fight domestic violence, and held a minute's silence to remember the victims."

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Anna's fundraising total now stands at just over £2,400 and the challenge has reached the top five per cent nationally in donations received.

Anna's banner and some of the capes with women's names on.Anna's banner and some of the capes with women's names on.
Anna's banner and some of the capes with women's names on.

Anna is now planning to organise a 5km 'run to end domestic violence' on Morecambe prom June 2021 to raise more money for her chosen AAFDA - Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse, which helps families after domestic homicides.

You can donate to Anna's fundraising page here