People are being urged to take part in this year's Run for Freedom and help support a movement helping to stop all forms of modern-day slavery.

This year's run will start on Sunday alongside an event in London and for the first time an event in Florida.

Charlotte Wilberforce, a direct descendant of British anti-slave campaigner William Wilberforce, helped to organise the first run in Bermuda last year.

She said that about 46 percent of people in slavery are forced into prostitution. "No country is immune," she added.

"People trafficking is abhorrent. Two years ago we commemorated the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, yet 200 years after the abolition, more than 12 million men, women and children are trafficked into some form of slavery."

Florida organiser Chanel Martin recently spoke to a group of students at Terry Parker High School about the event and human trafficking today.

"They were mortified, especially because I drove it home with a case from here in Jacksonville, in which a 29-year-old man lured teens from Virginia to Jacksonville and prostituted them," explained Mrs. Wilberforce of Ms Martin's speech.

"This was in October. The kids get it. This (the walk) also helps them because it's a service project and I'll be able to sign off on their community involvement, so this walk is also a great way to give back to them," added Ms Wilberforce.

Bermuda's run, organised by Erica Rance-Cariah, starts at 1 p.m. and Town Crier Ed Christopher will announce the start in Kindley Field Park. There will be three water stops and free wristbands to the first 100 who sign up.

"As soon as I heard about Run For Freedom a couple of years back, I knew that I wanted to be a part of such an awesome event," said Mrs. Rance-Cariah.

"By chance I met Charlotte Wilberforce who gave me the inspiration and opportunity to become involved. Charlotte is one of the most genuine people that I have ever met and she is truly passionate about this cause.

"I had a friend that was born in Thailand who at birth was used as a child slave and her story has touched my life forever.

"If there is anything that I can do to be a part of ensuring that no other child has to endure the pain that she went through, then I will do it."

Over the past two years, Run For Freedom has raised more than £1,800 in the UK and $11,000 abroad. The event helps raise money for Stop The Traffik and Anti-Slavery International.

For more information and to register free to attend Run For Freedom London, Bermuda, or Walk For Freedom Florida, please go to www.antipeopletrafficking.org/register.aspx

Donations are optional and greatly received to assist in education, advocacy and global assistance to those trafficked.

To donate visit: Anti-Slavery International www.justgiving.com/runforfreedom2009

Or: Stop The Traffik: www.justgiving.com/walkforfreedomflorida or www.justgiving.com/runforfreedomrun