Since our son Andrew went missing in 2007, we have taken part in more newspaper, radio and television interviews than we can now remember as part of our efforts to find him. We have distributed over 50,000 leaflets and posters with the help of friends, family and supporters. Various charities have created videos, assisted with email campaigns and posted Andrew’s details on thousands of websites and social networking sites.
My wife and I have still not found our son after all this effort, but at the same time we have often wondered who speaks up for the thousands of kids who run away each year from situations that are tough for them? What if English is your parents second language? What if you have run away from a care setting? What if your family do not have the confidence to deal with all those reporters?
It never occurred to us to talk about the subject of running away as we did around other safety issues in our home, yet thousands place themselves at risk each year of being homeless, cold, hungry, abused, exploited or just plain lonely by running away. Losing Andrew has had such an enormously painful impact upon our family life that we hope to promote this issue by participating in the Safe@Last Bunny Run.
Safe@Last aims to raise £5,000 to begin a runaway prevention scheme in our home town of Doncaster. It is a sad fact in our society that many young people run away from very difficult domestic situations, but there are very few safe places to run to and this is why Safe@Last has our full support. If we can do anything to encourage young people to talk things through with someone they can trust before placing themselves in risky situations: If we can encourage parents to raise the issue with their kids: If we can help to ensure that kids who have run away know where to turn for help and support: and if we can encourage the public to look at charity websites and keep an eye out for missing kids, then we will have achieved a very positive thing.
The Doncaster Bunny Run will take place at Town Field, Doncaster on Saturday 3rd April. The event starts at 10.00am and will involve up to 500 participants dressing up as bunnies and completing a one mile fun run. Other attractions include local celebrities such as Donny Dog and Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers, competitions and prizes, food and drink and Donaster’s biggest bouncy castle.
Participants can either register on the day (aim to arrive by 9.30) or on the website at www.doncasterbunnyrun.co.uk. Runners are asked to try and raise a minimum of £10 but all donations are gratefully received. Children can take part for a small registration fee of £2. Bunny ears will be for sale on the day for £1.50. All proceeds go to SAFE@LAST. Every participant will walk away with a certificate and hopefully the memories of a fun day. To find out more visit www.doncasterbunnyrun.co.uk or call the organisers, Austin Banks Ltd, on 01302 822 228.
My wife and I have still not found our son after all this effort, but at the same time we have often wondered who speaks up for the thousands of kids who run away each year from situations that are tough for them? What if English is your parents second language? What if you have run away from a care setting? What if your family do not have the confidence to deal with all those reporters?
It never occurred to us to talk about the subject of running away as we did around other safety issues in our home, yet thousands place themselves at risk each year of being homeless, cold, hungry, abused, exploited or just plain lonely by running away. Losing Andrew has had such an enormously painful impact upon our family life that we hope to promote this issue by participating in the Safe@Last Bunny Run.
Safe@Last aims to raise £5,000 to begin a runaway prevention scheme in our home town of Doncaster. It is a sad fact in our society that many young people run away from very difficult domestic situations, but there are very few safe places to run to and this is why Safe@Last has our full support. If we can do anything to encourage young people to talk things through with someone they can trust before placing themselves in risky situations: If we can encourage parents to raise the issue with their kids: If we can help to ensure that kids who have run away know where to turn for help and support: and if we can encourage the public to look at charity websites and keep an eye out for missing kids, then we will have achieved a very positive thing.
The Doncaster Bunny Run will take place at Town Field, Doncaster on Saturday 3rd April. The event starts at 10.00am and will involve up to 500 participants dressing up as bunnies and completing a one mile fun run. Other attractions include local celebrities such as Donny Dog and Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers, competitions and prizes, food and drink and Donaster’s biggest bouncy castle.
Participants can either register on the day (aim to arrive by 9.30) or on the website at www.doncasterbunnyrun.co.uk. Runners are asked to try and raise a minimum of £10 but all donations are gratefully received. Children can take part for a small registration fee of £2. Bunny ears will be for sale on the day for £1.50. All proceeds go to SAFE@LAST. Every participant will walk away with a certificate and hopefully the memories of a fun day. To find out more visit www.doncasterbunnyrun.co.uk or call the organisers, Austin Banks Ltd, on 01302 822 228.
