Meet the man running the London Marathon to help prevent child sexual abuse

An Exeter man who works with children who have been sexually abused is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the NSPCC’s ‘Together for Childhood’ programme by running the London Marathon.

Bartosz Zaniewski, who works at the NSPCC’s service centre in Plymouth, set himself the challenge in order to highlight how organisations across the city are working together with local communities to find out the best way to prevent child sexual abuse. 

With an estimated 1 in 20 children in the UK having been sexually abused, the 44-year-old says he is hoping to raise awareness as well as money for Together for Childhood. 

He said: “Statistically, this is at least one child in my daughter’s class, one family on my street impacted by sexual abuse, a work colleague or a family member. 

“The impact affects people from all backgrounds - not only the child, but their family and wider community.

“I have been working with children and families affected by child sexual abuse and it would be nice if one day there is no need for such work.”

The father of one is aiming to raise £750 through his efforts, in what will be his first marathon attempt.

“I always thought it would be nice to run the London Marathon for fun and that it would be a great achievement to complete it.

“Before I decided to do this, I wasn’t a runner at all, so since I’ve started my training I have become a little bit addicted to it.”

Community Fundraising Manager for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Armer said: “I think it is wonderful Bart has decided to take up such a huge challenge in support of the NSPCC.

“As a charity, we rely heavily on donations, as they fund 90% of the work we do to protect children.

“Together for Childhood is an excellent programme and through fundraising like Bart’s we are able to help keep local children safe.”

Together for Childhood is being piloted in Ernesettle, with the local community working closely with the NSPCC, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Safeguarding Children’s Board and other organisations across the city.

The target is to roll out what works well from the initiative city-wide, to help keep children safe and prevent child abuse from happening in the first place.

If you would like to support Bart with his fundraising efforts, you can donate here.