Woman runs marathon for survivors of sexual violence

A WOMAN from Peppard plans to run a marathon to raise money for a charity which helps survivors of sexual violence.

Frances Barber Shillito, 33, will run solo in the Henley area in May.

She had been training since November in the hope of taking part in the Ibiza marathon next month but had to stop to have a hand operation after being bitten by her mother’s cat.

Miss Shillito, who ran the Reading half marathon in 2019, said: “I began training again in January and realised the strength you have to find is a good metaphor for my own experience going through the criminal justice system.

“It can be a very isolating experience that takes strength and bravery you weren’t aware you could ever be capable of. I chose to do this alone as it’s in my nature to tackle things head on and by myself.

“I also wanted to replicate the feelings of what it’s like to go through the criminal justice system alone and stand up to an abuser.

“I currently train five times a week. It consists of two easy runs, one tempo run, one interval run and then a long run, which I do at the weekend.

“Each run will be anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes except the long run, which can take up to three hours.”

She is raising money for the Survivors Trust, which supports more than 100,000 survivors of sexual violence each year.

Miss Shillito, who is a director of FRNT MGMT, a female-led artist management company representing DJs and producers, also wants to raise awareness of the new Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, which seeks to improve standards of behaviour in the creative sector.

She said: “If the authority had been there when I went through my experience, I would have had the confidence to come forward.

“I want anyone unfortunate enough to experience this to know the organisation will support them as it is an isolating place.

“It is such an important conversation in the music industry at the moment, especially since the Misogyny in Music Report was published a few weeks back.”

The report, published by the Women and Equalities Committee, revealed the challenges faced by women in the music industry.

Miss Shillito said: “None of it came as a surprise in a culture of silence in the industry. It was a ground-breaking report and gives women power knowing something is being done. I hope it brings real and lasting change, which is what women in the industry need.”

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/page/shillitoruns
amarathon