SEXUAL abuse survivor Ally Spalding is urging people to sign up and take part in a walk to help women break free from abuse.

The founder of Breaking Free, based in Victoria Road, is one of 18 participants already signed up to take part in this year’s Spring Sponsored Walk.

The walk, which has taken place every year since the charity was founded in 2009, will take a six-mile route across the Marlborough Downs and back along the Ridgeway to raise money for the charity.

“We’re looking for people to sign up or to sponsor us for the walk.

“We are a not-for-profit charity and we occasionally get government grants which are few and far between, and we rely heavily on support from community fundraisers.

“I myself am a survivor of sexual abuse. I don’t think it’s something you ever get over completely, and I think the trauma of some women’s experiences will affect them their entire lives, but with the help of therapy I was able to accept it.

“After training to become a qualified counsellor myself I set up Breaking Free, which we now run as a free service, where people can make a donation if they want to.

“It’s a service that very much is needed in Swindon since three in five victims have been victims of sexual abuse before they are even 18.

“We offer professional support and advice to theses victims.

“But we’re desperately in need of support to help raise the funds to keep the services going, and to raise awareness of these crimes and the abuses these women suffer.”

Ally was a victim of sexual abuse before the age of 14, and was subjected to other attacks in her adult life.

She said: “I grew up in a dysfunctional family and was subjected to a great amount of neglect in all areas, physical, mental and sexual.

“Having had these experiences I know first-hand how debilitating these experiences can be, and how important charities like Breaking Free are.”

Walkers will meet at 9.45am at the Barbury Castle car park for the walk before setting off on the route, which is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours to complete, including a ten minute break.

It is unsuitable for children under the age of 10 and participants will need to have stout boots and waterproof coats.

It is the first of several fundraising events planned for Breaking Free this year.

To find out more about the charity and how you can get involved, call Ally on 01793 514339 or 07547 680839, or visit www.breakingfreesupport.co.uk.

Alternatively, sponsor the group online at localgiving.com/breakingfreesupportproject.