Riding Lights Theatre Company put on special performances to assist the York-based charity

Riding Lights Theatre company raised £450 for Survive, the specialist charity focused on helping survivors of sexual violence rebuild their lives, following two readings of the short play,
Maryland by Lucy Kirkwood.

The play was written as a passionate and furious act of resistance to draw attention to the shocking numbers of women who repeatedly suffer violent abuse throughout the UK. It addresses issues of police behaviour and a culture of violence against women and girls.

The performances took place at Friargate Theatre, York in November and the funds for Survive were raised through a combination of audience donations, salary sacrifice and actor fees.

Survive will put the donation towards its special Covid-19 Recovery Appeal. Says CEO Mags Godderidge: “We launched our £50k Covid-19 Recovery Appeal in May last year – to meet the increase in demand for our specialist services. This donation from Riding Lights Theatre Company following their special production of Maryland takes us even closer to achieving our £50k target.”

Survive offers specialist counselling and support work to adults across the City of York and North Yorkshire who have experienced sexual violence including rape, sexual assault, Child Sexual Abuse as well as grooming, sexual exploitation and the coercive sexual control often present in abusive relationships.

Last year, Survive reported a staggering 226% increase in demand for its specialist services in comparison with the previous five years.  Funds raised by Survive’s special Covid-19 Recovery Appeal will be used to ensure the charity has sufficient Support Workers, Counsellors and Trauma Therapists to meet the increasing demand and reduce waiting times so survivors can access support faster.