Domestic abuse survivor is Barnstaple charity’s first London Marathon runner

A North Devon domestic abuse survivor is set to become the first ever London Marathon runner for the charity she says saved her life.

Pollyanna Mears will be running the TCS London Marathon on Sunday, April 26 on behalf of North Devon Against Domestic Abuse to raise money, but more importantly awareness of the vital support it provides.

The 35-year-old will become the first person to run the marathon on behalf of NDADA and hopes sharing her story will help more people to learn about the charity and the work it does.

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She said: “As a survivor of domestic abuse, I know how important it is for people to be aware that help exists and that they are not alone.

“They have saved my life and before I needed them, I had no idea they existed. They have supported me every week for the last year.

“My main focus for fundraising is to get the work of NDADA out to people who need it the most, I want people to know they can reach out at any point and help will be there, their services are nothing short of amazing.”

Above: Pollyanna credits NDADA with saving her life and she will become the first person ever to run the London Marathon for the charity. Credit: Pollyanna Mears

Pollyanna said her training is going well and she can often be spotted running with her buggy, as her son frequently joins her on training runs.

NDADA runs the only women’s refuge in Devon for women and children fleeing domestic abuse, but it also provides confidential help and support for those seeking to leave abusive relationships safely, as well as counselling and advice on a range of issues.

Above: Pollyanna out on one of her frequent North Devon training runs. Credit: Pollyanna Mears

Pollyanna said she wanted to raise more awareness of NDADA in the wider community and let those in need know support was out there.

She added: “I’m passionate about using this challenge to shine a light on the charity, reduce stigma, and encourage people to reach out for support, whether for themselves or someone they care about.”

If you would like to sponsor her bid to run the London Marathon, please visit https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/pollyanna-mears-aec10

Anyone who is suffering from domestic abuse and needs help or advice can go to https://ndada.co.uk or call 0808 2816161 in confidence.