KIM CHOWN's WORLD JENNY'S DAY - Safari Cycle Ride

I am honoured to be a part of the 2023 World Jenny's Day Cycle Safari Fundraiser, where I can contribute to raising awareness and reducing the prevalent stigma surrounding depression and suicide.

Despite increased media coverage, these topics remain taboo. It is essential to shed light on mental health in general and how external factors can affect each and every one of us.

Personally, this cause holds great significance to me as I have experienced the lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse on my mental health. I have faced numerous challenges in my journey, and I came dangerously close to losing my life six years ago due to severe alcohol dependency.

I believe my alcoholism stemmed from my inability to confront the horrific abuse I endured as a child while living in Kenya.

On February 24th, 2017, I voluntarily checked into a 28-day rehab program, and since then, I have not consumed alcohol. Over a year later, I summoned the strength to confront my abuser, my father, in court. He was sentenced to twenty years in Leeds Crown Court for the crimes committed against me.

Having gone through these experiences and continuing to navigate my recovery from alcoholism, I am deeply passionate about raising awareness for mental health issues. I believe it is crucial to improve the availability and quality of support services.

Unfortunately, I have not received any professional support since leaving rehab.

However, I was fortunate to be able to write my own book, titled "Who Will Believe You," which was published in 2021. Writing this book proved to be the most therapeutic process for me, as it provided a cathartic outlet.

As a part of my commitment to these issues, I will be participating in this fundraising safari cycle event across Kenya in August to raise funds for World Jenny’s Day which is held each 10 October.

For more information about World Jenny's Day visit : World Jenny's Day