A superb team of runners have been taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon and London Marathon in October. Together they have raised over £15,000 to support the charity’s vital work in helping women and children survive and thrive.
The team has been working collectively to train and prepare themselves to run the distances needed, all the while fundraising and collecting sponsorship to support a good cause.
Alfie and Nina first took on the London Marathon, before Claire, Nathalia, Ana-Maria, James, Alvaro, Jenny, Aaron, Genna, Scott, Melissa, Kevin, Bex, Matt, Remi and Mylene ran the Royal Parks Half the following weekend.
They are all stars and we thank them so much for their inspirational efforts.
You can see some of the photos from the race in the gallery below:
Trustee Laura Bessell set herself the challenge of running both the Hackney Half Marathon and the Royal Parks Half.
She says, “Having given birth to 2 children in the wonderful UCL myself, I cannot begin to imagine the challenges women face in other parts of the world.
“When I began training 10 weeks before Half Marathon #1, even 5k was a challenge, but I wasn’t going to be deterred.
“Like Forrest Gump, I just kept on running, clocking up 240k over the training period, and running further and further each week.
“The Hackney Half came around very quickly. I was nervous and felt just about prepared – I was delighted to cross the line in 2 hours and 11 minutes.
“On Monday however, I was in a world of pain and by Tuesday, even tackling the stairs in my house was a challenge. My body slowly recovered but the thought of running another half marathon, so soon after, filled me with dread.
“However, I shouldn’t have been so fearful. At the Royal Parks Half Marathon, cheered on by the WCF team, I ran the race in 2 hours 12 minutes, finishing in the top 30% of the women. For a lady hitting middle age I am super proud!
“It’s always good to take yourself out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges – pregnant women in remote areas of Africa are doing this but not by choice. This itself is humbling.
“From all my efforts I am delighted by the support and money I have raised it has been an unbelievable experience and journey.
“This includes the generous support of TV production company Argonon, who is matching a percentage of amounts donated.” You can sponsor Laura’s efforts here.
Women and Children First will have a running team at the October 2022 Royal Parks Half. All our runners get training, fundraising and moral support, as well as a runner vest. Together, we can enable and empower more women to give and receive life-changing, life-saving support.