In the last year sexual violence has received more media coverage than ever before, hopefully a watershed moment leading to real change. However, it has highlighted the shocking scale of the problem and the need for greater vigilance and action.

Government statistics released last month revealed that 85,000 women are raped and over 400,000 are sexually assaulted across England and Wales each year.

Rape Crisis work to raise awareness of the prevelance of sexual violence and the importance of offering specialised support. My friend Can Sonmez is running a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Charity 24 hour GrappleThon in aid of the great work they undertake. A small group of us from Elements BJJ will be taking part and I want to ask for your support.

Please donate whatever you can spare to make a positive change (JustGiving functions outside the UK too). You can also donate via text message, by texting HBJJ99 £1 to 70070. 

Many thanks to GrappleThon sponsors, top BJJ artist and designer Seymour 'Meerkatsu' Yang and renowned BJJ and MMA apparel company, Tatami Fightwear.

The BJJ Charity GrappleThon will take place from 9am on Saturday 4th May 2013 until 9am on Sunday 5th 2013 at Gracie Barra Bristol. It's also planned to stream it live over the internet.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.