On the 2nd of April 2017, David Lean will be taking part in the Manchester Marathon to raise funds for Renaissance.
ASICS GREATER MANCHESTER MARATHON
A superfast course, great entertainment, outstanding crowd support and glorious finish at Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire Cricket Club, plus a medal and ASICS technical t-shirt for all finishers!
We are honoured that David has chosen to raise funds for Renaissance & even more proud that he has openly shared his story.
Please take some time to read David’s Story below & if you can spare anything to offer him support in his Marathon run then all the links to his Virgin Money Giving page are below.
Thank you
David Lean was aged just 12 years old when he was groomed and then abused over 2 evenings in April 1980 by his football coach, where he was staying overnight while attending a football course away from his home town.
Eventually David disclosed to the police in February 2013 and, after the case being thrown out by the CPS as not in the public interest, appealed and was eventually successful in having the case considered to be in the public interest, even if short sentences may be the outcome.
The defendant pleaded guilty in May 2015 and was sentenced to 2 years in prison.
During this time David received two years of counselling from Renaissance which, in his own words,
“allowed me the mental strength to continue my fight, without this service I just could not have coped. Just allowing me 1 hour each week gave me the strength to continue my fight for justice and helped me finally come to terms with the abuse I had suffered.”
David goes on to say “I now wish to raise as much money as possible for this brilliant service and for anyone who has suffered current or historical sexual abuse as a child, to have the chance to obtain the so needed person to listen to and support, to help them cope with having made the brave decision to come forward.”
You can view David’s Fundraising page, Read his story and see all the messages of support that he has already received by clicking this button
