Description: A picture of Traitors contestant Jessie Stride in an episode. Credit BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry.
Press release —
Traitors star Jessie Roux takes on Manchester 10k run to raise stammering awareness and funds
Jessie Roux from the latest season of the hit BBC One series the Traitors is taking on the Manchester 10k on the 31st of May 2026, alongside Becca Jones, 35, from Lancashire and Izzy Baron, 17, to raise money and awareness for STAMMA.
STAMMA is the leading voice for people who stammer in the UK. The charity provides support, information, and community. It works directly with organisations to create accessible spaces for staff, customers, and service users, and campaigns to create a world which understands that stammering is just how some people talk.
Jessie said: “I’m running the Manchester 10k for every person who battles with a stammer every single day. I know firsthand how isolating and frustrating it can sometimes feel, but also how much strength it takes to keep showing up and using your voice anyway. I want people who stammer to know they never have to hide themselves or feel ashamed of how they speak. If this helps even one person feel more confident or understood, then it means everything to me.”
Becca Jones has taken on various running challenges for STAMMA since 2025, taking part in the Blackpool 10k in May 2025, and the York 10k in August of the same year.
Becca said: “For 30 years, I tried to hide my stammer, pretending it didn't exist. A big part of what helped to change my mindset was when I realised that if my daughter Ivy develops a stammer, how can I expect her to feel comfortable with it if I don't? I would never want my baby girl to be embarrassed or want to hide a stammer if she ever develops one. So this is all for her.”
This is Izzy Baron’s first time taking on a running challenge to fundraise for STAMMA.
Izzy said: “I’ve had a stammer for as long as I can remember and I know how much support can mean to a person with a stammer. I’m running the Manchester 10k to raise money and awareness for an extremely deserving cause. I know the money I’ve raised can help children across the country find the support they need.”
Jane Powell, STAMMA CEO, said: "Stammering still isn't perceived as a disability by our society. We are here to change this. Jessie, Becca and Izzy are helping us raise vital money to fund our services and create a world where the next generation doesn't have to see stammering as something to be ashamed of.
"Jessie has been a superb advocate and brilliant example to show people that stammering is not something that should ever stop you doing what you want. We want this for every person who stammers in the UK.
"We wouldn't be able to fight this fight without the support of people like Jessie, Izzy and Becca. We'll be cheering them on every step of the way."
ENDS
-For more information, contact Giada Origlia, Communications & Content Lead at giada.origlia@stamma.org or ring 07908682894
-At least 1% of adults stammer in the UK, and 8% of children will stammer at some point in their lives.
- About STAMMA: STAMMA is the leading voice for people who stammer across the UK. We provide support, information, and community. We work with organisations to create accessible spaces for staff, customers, and service users. We fight for inclusion of people who stammer by pushing for systemic change and better representation.
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Our Purpose
We exist to create a world that makes space for stammering. Where it's embraced as just a difference. Where no-one judges your stammer or the way you choose to deal with it. We’ll get there by bringing people together, whether they stammer or not, to propel a movement for change.
We will stand up for and embolden those who stammer, provide support and information, and challenge discrimination wherever we find it. We’ll fight for NHS speech and language therapy services for those want it. No matter how you talk, we're here for you.
Join us and help the public understand that stammering is not a sign of being drunk, dishonest, nervous or weak. It’s simply how some of us talk.
