The Women’s Aid Reverse Advent – My Final Thoughts

When I decided back in October that I would try to undertake my biggest reverse advent to date and ask some of the wonderful brands I work with to help and donate too I had no real idea firstly if I could pull it off nor how many brands and companies would help support me to support the Women’s Aid refuge I had once lived in 16 years ago. 

When I started out mentally on this journey I had no idea what wounds it would open, what memories would surface that I had suppressed or how heavily my hatred for someone would still burn. 

I also hadn’t realised at just how much my confidence had grown and how much stronger I am now compared to the me 16 years ago.I guess you just think your you so you never really question yourself do you?

I now understand how people question why I stayed, looking back now I can see how people can’t understand as I would question it myself with the help of hindsight and confidence. 

During this journey with the help of Women’s Aid I have been sharing my story far and wide, publicly in the BBC article about reverse advents but more importantly with numerous print publications over the last 2 months too. All highlighting the plight of the Women’s Aid refuges with the changes in funding that are due to take place next year. 

If you have missed these changes you can find more information by clicking the petition image below:

I have shared my journey with you HERE and I will continue to share my journey being a survivor after domestic violence.

Here in England and Wales 2 women every single week are killed by their partner or ex partner so I will forever be thankful that I was one of the lucky ones that not only got away but I got the opportunity to rebuild my life and have the chance to build a new life with a wonderfully supportive husband and two wonderful boys that I get to share my life with every single day. 

The purpose of my reverse advent was to provide food, clothing, gifts and baby and children’s products every day for the duration of advent and I have found it very cathartic to know that these items are going to help families like mine was in such at low point in their lives. I wanted them to know that there are people beyond that safe place of the Women’s Aid refuge that are thinking of them and want them to succeed in building their new safe lives. 

However, throughout the whole process I have to say the biggest of thanks has to go to the amazing brands, companies and people that have supported me supporting Women’s Aid by donating things to help me make the Christmas in the refuge I stayed in 16 years ago a little bit more special. 

Thank you, WOW toys, Apple & Pips, UPPAbaby, Fisher-Price, Splat Oral Care, LeapFrog, My Little Piccolo, Natures Finest, Johnson’s Baby, Bumbo, Secret Pie, BabyStyle, Rockit, & Aqua Wipes

In fact just thinking of each and every single brand, company and product makes me want to cry happy and grateful tears. 

There will never be enough thanks I can give to any of the amazing brands and companies above. The people behind those companies took the time to not only reply to my garbled emotional plea for help but have been continually supporting throughout the festive period. 

During this campaign I have cried happy tears knowing I was making a difference, I have cried sad tears for the 21 year old that died mentally that day and cried proud tears at the memories of the rebirth of that very same  21 year old who rebuilt her life after domestic violence and survived. 

This festive period I am sending love to each and every one of you from my house to yours.

Thank you to all of you that have shared this journey with me. 

If you would like to support Women’s Aid this year you can contact your local Women’s Aid refuge HERE and donate items (depending on what they may need as each refuge will have different needs) or you can donate money HERE