A local woman has decided to run a solo marathon to raise money for an organisation that fights harassment in the music industry.

Frances Barber Shillito will be running 26 miles this May to fundraise for The Survivors Trust and to raise awareness around the launch of CIISA.

“I’m pretty sure I’ve lost my marbles by deciding to do this,” Ms Shillito said. “But it is such an important conversation in the music industry at the moment, especially since the Misogyny In Music Report was published a few weeks back.”

The Misogyny in Music Report, published by the Women and Equalities Committee, sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the music industry. 

“The idea behind all this is since running a marathon is an incredibly tough accomplishment that takes immense bravery and strength you didn’t know you were capable of.

“So, in honour of all the incredible work The Survivors Trust provide for victims I’ve decided to run a marathon all by myself in an attempt to raise as much money as I can for these wonderful people.”

Ms Shillito explained how finding the strength to come forward, report and put yourself through the criminal justice system, is one of the scariest, most daunting yet empowering things a victim will ever do.

“The whole thing can feel like you are running a marathon entirely on your own. My aim with this run is highlight the importance these charities hold for victims.”

Ms Shillito will be running to raise awareness around the launch of the CIISA (https://ciisa.org.uk/) the entertainment industry's first ever authority whose sole purpose is to uphold and improve standards of behaviour across the creative industries.

CIISA prevents and tackles all forms of bullying and harassment, including bullying and harassment of a discriminatory nature.

Ms Shillito said “Non-reporting of incidents of sexual harassment and abuse is high. Victims who report behaviour struggle to be believed. Even when they are believed, more often than not, it is their career not the perpetrators’ that ends.

“In many cases, those who do report harassment or sexual assault regret doing so due to the way it is handled. The establishment of the CIISA will help to shine a light on unacceptable behaviour in the music industry and in doing so, may reduce the risk of further harm.

“Crucially, it will be a single, recognisable body that anyone in the industry can turn to for support and advice.”