Juno’s 39-mile challenge returns to raise awareness and support those affected by domestic abuse

Juno Women’s Aid has announced the return of its annual Steps to Survive fundraising challenge, which will run from 1–31 May 2025 as part of National Walking Month.

The campaign calls on individuals, businesses, and community groups to walk 39 miles during the month, representing the average distance a woman travels to reach safety from domestic abuse.

The campaign is designed to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s frontline services, including emergency accommodation, emotional and legal support, and prevention work across Nottingham and the surrounding areas.

Tasarla Larner, fundraising & communications manager for Juno Women’s Aid said: “Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, but survival is never walked alone. Steps to Survive is more than a fitness challenge — it’s a call to action. By walking 39 miles, supporters are standing in solidarity with survivors, raising vital funds, and helping us create real pathways to freedom.”

This year’s campaign has gained the backing of several local businesses, including Cartwright, Tank PR, and Equifax, who are participating through staff walks, donations, and awareness campaigns.

Maisie Bamford, PR account director at Tank said: “We’re incredibly proud to be supporting Juno Women’s Aid and the Steps to Survive challenge. It’s a privilege to stand alongside a local charity doing such vital work to protect and empower women and children in our community. Every mile walked represents hope — and we’re honoured to be part of that journey.”

Liz Cartwright, managing director of Cartwright, said: “Juno Women’s Aid is a vital asset to our region, with the work it undertakes offering an incredible lifeline to vulnerable women, children and young people. As longstanding partners of the organisation, we’re incredibly proud as a business to actively participate in its initiatives, with the ‘Steps to Survive’ campaign providing a platform for our teams to raise funds and showcase our support in an accessible and practical way. We look forward to getting our steps in throughout May and encourage other like-minded businesses to step up throughout National Walking Month.”

Juno Women’s Aid supports women and children experiencing domestic abuse, offering safety, support, and empowerment across Nottinghamshire.

Its domestic abuse services include a drop-in service, refuge provision, specialist one-to-one and community outreach support for women, children and young people, justice team support through civil and criminal court proceedings, group work programmes and access to Nottingham College training and education.