Fundraising for real change: Julia McKee
By Julia McKee
I first became involved with White Ribbon UK in May 2019 following the murder of my closest friend Sarah, whose life was brutally taken in the February. Sarah was a bright, caring and beautiful friend, she cared about everyone, she worked as a social worker and was exceptional in all she did. Sarah worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the children she worked with.
Outside of social work, Sarah set up and ran her own charity in Africa. She opened a unit in Tanzania supporting youngsters aged 12-18 years, who were orphaned street children. The young people who lived in the unit learnt carpentry and their lives were changed from meeting Sarah. She was truly inspirational.
“For the year ahead, I have set myself a fit for 40 challenge. I will be running 40 miles each month through the year as Sarah was 40 years old when she died. Every run I do I will wear my White Ribbon top.”
Losing Sarah has changed the lives of so many of her family, friends and colleagues. For me, Sarah was like a sister and she often referred to me as the sister she never had, she was also a second mum to my children and they miss her terribly.
Whilst I have struggled to come to terms with losing Sarah and I know life will never be the same without her, I decided to try and channel my grief and decided to train for a half marathon. In November I ran my first half marathon and loved every second, although it was very emotional as Sarah’s parents came along to support me. This is when I set up my just giving page, I could not believe the response and how supportive people were, even people I have never met donated after hearing Sarah’s Story.
Around the same time, I also became a White Ribbon Champion, the process was straightforward and I completed it all online. My workplace has become involved as Sarah had worked at the same office and was highly thought of. I hope that my workplace will become White Ribbon Accredited this year.
For the year ahead, I have set myself a fit for 40 challenge. I will be running 40 miles each month through the year as Sarah was 40 years old when she died. Every run I do I will wear my White Ribbon top.
Thinking about the future without Sarah is not easy; she is desperately missed but her kindness and strength lives on in her family and friends. It is our aim to continue to raise awareness into domestic abuse and to fight the cause of ending male violence against women.
Thank you to White Ribbon for the work you do to make a difference.
If you’ve been inspired by Julia’s story, challenge yourself to fundraise for White Ribbon UK, by clicking the button below. Once you raise £150 we can send you a free running to or t-shirt. You can also buy one straight away through our shop.
Julia McKee is a White Ribbon Champion and Fundraiser. You can follow Julia here.