JO Cullimore knows how important women’s refuges are – she once spent five weeks in one.

Jo Cullimore in training

The mum-of-two, who goes to All Saints Church in Denmead, was once placed in a refuge for women fleeing domestic abuse with her children.

That’s why she’ll be running in the London Marathon next month (April 17) to raise essential funds for Women’s Aid. The cash will be spent to help other women escape domestic violence and to raise awareness of the problem.

“We were lucky,” she said. “We not only had a safe place to stay, but the support we received from Women’s Aid was second to none. We were back on our feet in no time.

“Without Women’s Aid we couldn’t have done it. That’s why Women’s Aid are so close to my heart – and always will be. In my eyes they are lifesavers. They helped us escape abuse and now I want to raise as much as I can to help Women’s Aid help many more sufferers.

“Domestic violence is a serious problem, with one woman in four experiencing it during her lifetime. It is shocking that in today’s society, one woman is killed every three days by a violent partner or ex-partner.”

Jo, who is 35 and lives in Waterlooville, now also volunteers once a week for Women’s Aid, helping the women there with art and craft activities.

She’s now in training for the gruelling 26-mile slog around the streets of London on April 17. Jo had previously only run 5km in the Race for Life last year.

She hopes to raise £3,000 for Women’s Aid through sponsorship and also through a fundraising dance night that will took place on Saturday (March 19) at the Hampshire Rose in Widley.

Local fitness guru Maria Bentley, who runs courses and workshops in pilates, salsa and cheerleading, ran a couple of dance sessions during the evening. And her husband Paul Bentley provided the disco.

To sponsor Jo for her marathon run, see www.justgiving.com/jocullimore. Payment can be made via debit or credit card or via PayPal.

Women’s Aid is the national organisation in the UK helping women and children experiencing physical, sexual or emotional abuse in their homes. To find out more about the work of Women’s Aid call 0117 944 4411 or see www.womensaid.org.uk. For help or advice, call the 24-hour domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.