Helen's story: taking on the Run26 Challenge in memory of my stepfather

I started running in secondary school aged 12. At the time I was bullied, had low self-esteem and felt like I wasn't good at anything. So I used to run away from everyone, and remember getting good at it. This boosted my confidence because I'd found something I was good at. As time went on, I started winning all the races at school and went on to run with local running clubs with my Dad. I started to win loads of medals and my confidence grew and grew.

Unfortunately, I grew out of running when I turned 18 and waking up early on a Saturday morning didn't really appeal anymore. I did think about starting running again but then I had a family so raising my children was my priority. Running was put on the back burner and I didn't think about it again. 

Fast forward to 22 years later to 18 months ago, aged 42. Sadly my stepfather, Geoff, passed away from cancer. He also had type 2 diabetes which was a contributing factor towards his death. His diabetes meant that he didn't have a good quality of life. He couldn't walk far, couldn't go on holiday and was always reliant on my mum to care for him as he could have a seizure at any point.

So my mum and I decided to run the Race4Life for Cancer Research UK in June this year. That was it, I was addicted to running again and I've been running three times a week and have completed three 5kms for charity.

It's like I never gave it up all those years ago. I like to run for charity to challenge myself and also feel like my running is helping others and giving something back which boosts my esteem also. I miss my stepfather so much but I feel that he's looking over me and cheering me on when I run. My mum is also taking on the Run26 challenge in Geoff's memory and I know that he would be proud of us both for taking on the challenge.

Any money we raise for the Run26 challenge will be put to good use, helping other diabetes sufferers to receive good care and support for them and their families.

Think you'd like a challenge to get you back into running? Join Helen and her mum, and take on the Run26 Challenge this October.

Get your place today