'Stabbed by my boss, now I'm fundraising for others'

"I don't see how picking up a knife to hurt somebody or with whatever intent it is would ever resolve an issue," says Hannah Pritchett.

The 21-year-old was stabbed in her lower back and hip by her boss while she was working at a pub in May 2022.

On Sunday, she will be taking on the Coventry Half Marathon alongside her friends to raise money for the Ben Kinsella Trust, which tackles knife crime through education and campaigning.

"That day completely changed my whole life and my whole outlook on life," Ms Pritchett said.

"Seeing those donations coming in, knowing that we, as a group, are making a difference, is really what helps me strive forwards."

She added that it was "really difficult" to look back on the day and accept that it was real and "not just a nightmare".

Ms Pritchett's boss was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted murder, gross bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in public in October 2022.

Ms Pritchett, who is from Coventry, said she had been supported by the trust since the attack, and her friends were keen to run the half marathon to show their support for the charity too.

Despite a difficult recovery from her injuries, she decided, "I'll give it a go, too."

She said running with her friends had helped her body get stronger.

"The more training that I do, it's incredible to see the difference."

She added that she had used her fundraising as a "coping mechanism".

"I've taken what's happened to me and looked at it in a different way to try and prevent things happening to people in the future; it's amazing knowing it's going to such an incredible charity."

Ms Pritchett said she had good days and bad days.

"A lot of the time I try to move forward and see the positives: that I am still here, I'm still fighting and I can still raise awareness for people who go through things like me."

She added that there were also days where she "didn't even think about it".

"It does affect me that something like this has happened to me because you never think it will happen to you or to anyone you are close to.

"That's one of the things I always struggle with.

"There's never an excuse to pick up a knife and hurt somebody."

Speaking ahead of the half marathon, Ms Pritchett said the group had raised more than £1,000 for the charity, and she was "really excited for the atmosphere and encouragement from everyone".

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