Freedom shouldn't end when the sun goes down

Everyone has their own routine when it comes to walking on their own as the nights get darker, writes Laura Collins.

- writes Laura Collins.

For me I like to keep my house key in my pocket to hand - it sounds silly but it's there so I've got it to hand.

I won't speak on my phone at night and I certainly won't have my headphones in. I want to hear what's happening around me, or more specifically, who is around me.

I'll always drop my husband a message before I set off to let him know I'm on my way and check in when I've reached my destination.

Sadly, I know what it's like to have that heart wrenching moment when you're walking along the street and you think someone is following you.

That zigzag across the road to try and shake them off but they are still there.

The detours on different streets adding extra minutes to your journey just to check they're not in tow.