Jackie’s South West Coastal Trek against Domestic Abuse

Dr Jackie Lighten is setting off on Thursday 16th July for a 150+ mile hike from Westward Ho! to St. Ives to raise awareness of domestic abuse and crucial funds for First Light.

‘’I am from Horndon on the Hill in Essex and moved to Devon in 2018 as a BBSRC Research Fellow at the University of Exeter.

‘’I have grown up with a love for nature, adventure, music, and surfing, and love exploring new places, all with the support of amazing parents. However, I have been a victim of psychological domestic abuse, in my adult life, which sadly I think is an unspoken problem from the perspective of men being a victim. I have also witnessed the extreme mental and physical abuse that female friends have endured, and the complete feeling of imprisonment and helplessness.

‘’From experiencing the warmth of the South West communities, yet seeing how some areas are quite under resourced, I chose to support First Light to help victims of domestic abuse, with instances increasing significantly as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown. I hope that my 150 mile hike helps to raise the profile of First Light and the crucial work they do. The physical strain that I will undergo is just minute in comparison to the mental and physical abuse that victims of domestic abuse undergo each day.’’

Mel Francis, First Light Service Manager ‘’What an amazing challenge Jackie is undertaking! We are very grateful that he has chosen to support First Light. It is estimated that 2.4 million adults aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse in the last year and 786,000 of them men. By completing this fantastic challenge Jackie is not only raising money for First Light which is immensely appreciated to help support men, women and children at an extremely vulnerable time but also highlighting and raising the profile that domestic abuse can cross all social boundaries and anyone can be affected.’’

Jackie estimates it will take him about two weeks to complete the trek ending in St Ives.

Dr Jackie Lighten's Just Giving page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jackies-sw-trek