Isle of Wight runner Jo Randall has been running for health and pleasure for over a decade, but this year she decided to encourage a team of local people to take on the challenge of the Great South Run in aid of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
As an enthusiastic runner, Jo organises Tuesday Nighters – a licensed ‘RunTogether’ group aimed at new or novice runners, or anyone who just fancies a bit of company, advice and fun on a weekly run. It follows on from the opening of Jo’s Newport-based shop, Love Running, in 2011.
Tillie Moore has been training with the Love Running Tuesday Nighters since the beginning of May this year. She originally started running to lose weight and has lost an impressive 2 stone in just 6 months, but she has also discovered the amazingly therapeutic benefits of running.
She explains:
“I suffer with bipolar and have Asperger syndrome – both are mentally exhausting. I have found that running really helps me to clear my mind.”
The 10-mile run, which took place on Sunday (22nd October), gives participants a unique opportunity to run through Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, passing iconic landmarks such as HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum. The flat course has been graced by world-class athletes such as Liz McColgan, Paula Radcliffe, Sonia O’Sullivan, and Mo Farah, who won the men’s race in 2009 and is definitely not for the faint hearted.
Completing the race in 1 hour and 57 minutes, Jo ran alongside Tillie, encouraging her all the way to the finish line. Along with Lyn Snow, Sarah Dixcy, Simon Dixey, Gemma Casson and Sue Meredith, the group of 7 from the Tuesday Nighters raised an impressive £1,722 for the Trust.
Launched in 2003, the aim of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is to rebuild confidence after cancer, using sailing to support, empower and inspire young people to imagine a future they may never have thought possible after treatment.
Jo said:
“It’s been fantastic to run on behalf of a local charity, knowing you’re running for such a worthwhile cause puts a real pep in your step. We’ve all been so well looked after and have loved being a part of the Trust team”
Ashton Howard from the Trust commented:
“We are extremely grateful to Jo & her Love Running team for supporting the Trust. With their combined fundraising efforts, an amazing £1,722.53 has been raised, which is enough money for the Trust to take two more young people on a first-time trip.”
Contribute to the Love Running Team’s fundraising efforts at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/loverunningteam.
