Famous faces from some of the UK’s most popular TV shows are heading to Yorkshire to take on the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield 10k later this month. The Traitors UK star Theo Mayne will be joined by Married at First Sight UK’s Zoe Clifton and Matt Jameson, as they run to raise money for national modern slavery charity Causeway. It is estimated over 50 million people around the world are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation, with more than 100,000 of those in the UK. Criminal, labour and sexual exploitation are currently the most common forms of modern slavery in Britain.
Modern slavery charity Causeway are one of the largest providers of modern slavery support in the UK. However, they rely on donations to help fund their modern slavery services, and have now recruited three well-known TV stars to support with fundraising by running the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield 10k on Sunday 29th September 2024.
Taking on his first ever 10k is The Traitors UK contestant, podcaster and award-winning cheerleader Theo Mayne. He is joined by Married at First Sight UK stars Matt Jameson and Zoe Clifton, who will also be taking on South Yorkshire’s biggest 10k race of the year.
Matt made TV history in 2021 as part of the first same-sex couple to appear on E4’s Married at First Sight UK. In 2022, Zoe followed in Matt’s footsteps, featuring in Married at First Sight UK’s first female same-sex wedding. This has made the cause one particularly close to Matt and Zoe’s hearts, along with Theo, who was one of the first LGBTQ+ contestants to feature on BBC’s The Traitors UK.
The increased risk of modern slavery which LGBTQ+ people can face comes from higher levels of vulnerability due to homelessness, mental health issues, violence and abuse, which statistics show disproportionally affects the LGBTQ+ community. In countries where a person’s sexuality puts them in danger, traffickers can use this fear of exposure to force or coerce their victims into situations of modern slavery.
Theo, Matt and Zoe join a long list of Causeway’s celebrity supporters. Other famous faces who have recently backed the charity’s modern slavery campaigns include Stephen Fry, Zoë Wanamaker CBE, Dame Arlene Phillips and Mr Motivator.
To sponsor Theo, Matt and Zoe and donate to Causeway’s work please visit: causewaycharity.enthuse.com
Theo Mayne, The Traitors UK star, said: “Survivors of modern slavery have been through awful situations, and I’m in awe of the work Causeway do in supporting them to rebuild their lives. These are people who have often lost their support networks and are separated from loved ones. Causeway relies on generous donations to help them run their vital services, and so any amount you are able to donate is massively appreciated.”
Zoe Clifton, Married at First Sight UK star, said: “When I was speaking with Causeway, and heard just how many people are currently trapped in modern slavery, I was heartbroken. The increased risk of modern slavery that LGBTQ+ people face has made me both angry, but determined to do something. I hope by shining a light on modern slavery everyone will come together to help build a fairer and safer world for everyone. I would be extremely grateful for any donations!”
Matt Jameson, Married at First Sight UK star, said: “Causeway support some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in society. The modern slavery survivors they work with have often been through unimageable and horrific experiences. LGBTQ+ people can have a disproportionate risk of being exploited and targeted by traffickers, both in the UK and around the world. Taking on the Sheffield 10k for Causeway is something I’m both proud to be doing, but also something I feel is essential to raise awareness around this and begin driving vital change. I would be super grateful for any amount people are able to sponsor.”
Helen Ball, Causeway’s CEO, said: “We are thrilled to have Theo, Zoe and Matt joining Team Causeway to take on the Sheffield 10k this September and help raise vital funds to support our work. We have over 20 of our staff, supporters and partners lacing up their running shoes and taking on this challenging race up and down Sheffield’s famous hills. We would be very grateful to anybody who is able to sponsor the runners and donate to Causeway. It will go a long way in helping us support more modern slavery survivors.”
