Isabelle Smith, star of Hollyoaks: Why I’m running the Great Manchester Run for SARSAS
We’re so proud to share that Isabelle Smith, Hollyoaks star, is running the Great Manchester Run 10k this weekend in support of SARSAS!
Isabelle’s recent performance as Frankie in the ground-breaking sibling sexual abuse (SSA) storyline in Hollyoaks has touched the lives of many survivors, and now she’s taking her commitment one step further — by running to raise vital funds for SARSAS. We caught up with her ahead of the run to find out what inspired her to take on this challenge and why our work matters so much to her.
What inspired you to take on the Great Manchester Run?
“I wanted to do the run to give back to SARSAS, a charity that now holds a special place in my heart. They provided so much support to me whilst filming Frankie’s sibling sexual abuse storyline that I wanted to do something to help them continue to be a safe space for survivors where they will be believed and heard.”
Can you tell us a bit more about SARSAS and why it’s important for you to support our work?
“It’s so important for me to support SARSAS because they are an entirely non-profit charity offering support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual abuse. In order to do the incredible work they do, they need funding, and so anything I can do to help is a no-brainer for me!”
What do you feel the impact of the Hollyoaks storyline has been?
“The impact of Frankie’s storyline has been so overwhelming, we never expected to get this level of response! I am so privileged to be able to play this character, a character which I feel has been needed for a long time on screen. The amount of messages and letters I have received thanking me for giving a platform to sibling sexual abuse and for allowing survivors to speak out and report their abuse has just been astonishing, and I’m going to forever use my platform to keep raising awareness. That part of Frankie’s storyline has finished now, and I still get stopped in the street and receive messages daily about how it has helped people, and I just feel so honoured I’ve been able to play the smallest role in helping survivors to be heard and get the support they deserve.”
What message do you hope your fans take away from your participation in the run?
“I am not a runner at all! I’ve found it really challenging and I’ll definitely find the race hard because of my endometriosis, but I want to prove that you can do anything you put your mind to! I’m not bothered about what time I finish the 10k in, I just want to enjoy the atmosphere, hopefully meet some Frankie supporters, and just celebrate all that SARSAS does.”
If you could tell survivors one thing, what would you tell them?
“You are believed, seen and heard. Thank you for allowing me to help raise a platform, I will continue to use my voice in support of survivors, SARSAS and anyone who relates to Frankie.”
We’re incredibly grateful to Isabelle for using her voice and platform to support survivors and raise awareness of sibling sexual abuse — and for taking on this amazing 10k challenge on behalf of SARSAS.
You can support Isabelle’s fundraiser here:
👉 Isabelle Smith’s Great Manchester Run Fundraising Page
Thank you, Isabelle — we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!
The latest from our news and blogs
What is a sexual assault referral centre (SARC)?
A SARC can offer free, confidential medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted at any point in their lives. They’re usually provided by the NHS, but will always have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.
