"The RISE 8K run is something I’m incredibly passionate about in so many ways. I’ve taken part before alongside my daughter, and every single footstep, every stride in the rain and wind, dodging pebbles, made me even more determined to finish, or at least to try.
The silence. The determination. I have never, and will never, feel anything quite like it. It was like electricity powering through our bodies. The look on every woman’s and girl’s face meant so much. Domestic abuse has touched us all in some way, and there’s a sisterhood of RISE women and supporters standing together.
The importance of getting that medal at the end meant everything to each of us, spurred on by family, friends, and the community cheering. For me, as a survivor of domestic abuse, it symbolised that climb out of the darkness — the most chilling, scary, painful, lonely time of my life — that once felt like it would never end.
I believe every single one of us taking part or fundraising would crawl if we had to, just to get over that finish line. Because we deserve to matter. Kicking and screaming, breathless, we are not invisible. We want to be seen, heard, and listened to. And we want to support RISE. We dig deep and egg each other on, whether we’re taking part, standing on the sidelines, or donating.
When you’re thinking, I can’t do this. I just can’t, and then a stranger takes you by the hand and says, 'Come on, you can do it', that moment stays with you. The look on the women’s faces — pure concentration and fierce determination — is unforgettable. Many have been touched by domestic abuse. Some are running for those who didn’t make it out, and some for those who haven’t yet found freedom. We are doing it for everyone.
The cheers from the sidelines matter so much, as do the volunteers, each marking every mile and reminding me how deep I had to dig to get here. I’ve done many runs before, before my lifelong injuries from domestic abuse, but the medals from my RISE 8K events are my proudest.
It’s an unforgettable sight: a sea of pink or purple, strong women however they choose to take part — walking, running, using walking sticks, sprinting. Some in tears. Some with wings that have been broken but are still fighting.
And for me, there’s the deeply personal part: owing my life to RISE. I was in a very violent, controlling relationship. I lost hearing in one ear from a head injury after being kicked and stamped on.
I have a brain injury that affects me daily, multiple rib fractures from when he didn’t like me getting a new job, fractured wrists so I couldn’t work, and long-term damage to my neck and spine. I was hospitalised many times after being beaten and strangled I have CPTSD and generalise anxiety disorder .
When I arrived at A&E, a wonderful doctor told me about RISE and arranged for an advocate to call me. It was a long road. I moved three times to try and get away, but eventually my only option was to leave Sussex and go to a women’s refuge, leaving everyone behind. RISE put me on a train, gave me a phone, and got me to safety with nothing but the clothes on my back.
In court, he gave a guilty plea and received a three-year sentence. One of the worst things he did was cut up all my photos and family albums, destroy my clothes, egg my walls, and damage my belongings.
While in refuge awaiting trial, I used to listen to Katy Perry’s Rise on repeat. The words resonated so strongly with how I felt when I was completely alone. So when I ran the RISE 8k in the past, it was at the top of my playlist.
I owe my life to RISE, and I will always hold that close to my heart.
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Listen to Marcella's radio interview with Allison Ferns - scroll to 3:08:40
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The RISE 8K Undercliff Run for Women takes place on Sunday 12th October 2025
Entries for the RISE 8K Undercliff Run for Women are still available - register to run here
Or if you would like to help out on the day, register to volunteer here
