Ditching the cake to make a difference

A Preston resident, Alison Aylmore has ended her love affair with cake and is training for the London Marathon to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s work supporting victims of human trafficking.

Alison, who started her training just before Christmas was inspired after she began working for the Church and charity last year and discovered just how prevalent human trafficking is in the UK and what is being done to support victims. 

Alison, 31 and lives in Ashton-on-Ribble, said: “I was shocked to discover people were being trafficked in our own comfortable UK communities, even here in the North West. 

“I had no idea about the sheer scope of the work The Salvation Army undertakes supporting victims. It includes driving victims across the country to a safehouse, providing counselling, medical attention, legal support and translation services. 

“I’m raising money to help fund this incredible work, but I know it’s also about boosting awareness as well.” 

So far Alison has raised just over £1700, but she is doing all she can to meet her target of £2000. 

Alison continued: “Running the London Marathon is a real stretch for me and something I thought I would never do. I saw a t-shirt recently which perfectly describes my running ability  - “I’m slower than a herd of tortoises running through peanut butter but I run”. 

“A few years ago I did a 5k charity run and hated it so much I was convinced I’d never run again. But, after seeing the difference The Salvation Army makes to victims of human trafficking I decided to bin the cake, and face by biggest challenge. Those first few training sessions were painful but it’s getting easier now and speaking to people about why I’m doing this and getting closer to my fundraising target is keeping me going.” 

The London Marathon is on Sunday 24th April. To support Alison visit here