A LOCAL councillor is encouraging her colleagues to take part in a joint fundraiser to raise money for a sexual abuse charity.

At last week’s full council meeting, Coun Leyla Nayeri bravely shared her own experiences of sexual abuse while presenting a motion for more to be done to stop the issue before it even begins.

While this motion was deferred, Coun Nayeri says she is looking forward to working with cabinet members to ensure an updated, agreed motion that lays out some clear, achievable resolutions for the council.

In the spirit of moving forward and working together for a valuable common goal, Coun Nayeri invited all councillors to join her in fundraising, collectively walking, running, or some other similar activity, 4,545 miles.

This is one mile for every recorded case of sexual abuse in South Yorkshire in the latest 12-month period.

This joint fundraising is for White Ribbon, supporting the goal of ending sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual assault.

Having spoken to Couns Hannah Kitching and Steve Houghton, both have supported this and encourage all members to support however they can.

Coun Nayeri said: “I want to thank my colleagues from all parties for joining this in any way they can, from both support in the distance to cover, the kind words of support, or donations.

“In just the first six days, we have covered 182.91 miles of the 4,545-mile target, and councillors have also generously donated £170 towards White Ribbon UK.

“With the deadline being May 22, the next full council, I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve.

“I chose running at first because everybody knows my love of running.

“I recently completed the Tokyo Marathon, and I’m already planning for the next one.

“The chance to run for something as valuable as White Ribbon felt like a perfect fit.”

A link to the fundraiser can be found here:https://www.justgiving.com/team/barnsleycllr