Alexa - Why I'm running the Virtual London Marathon for the Together Trust
We couldn’t provide the support we do without the tireless efforts of our generous supporters. Whether they are baking cakes, shaving their heads or taking on challenge events; every penny raised contributes towards championing the rights of children, young people and adults across the North West.
Whilst the pandemic has stopped a lot of fundraising challenges, it's not stopped Together Trust member of staff Alexa who is taking on one of the biggest challenges you can by running the Virtual London Marathon this October. We caught up with Alexa to find out why they are taking on the challenge and raising money for our services and the people we support:
What made you want to take part in the Virtual London Marathon?
I completed my first marathon in 2011 and I absolutely loved it, I felt grateful to have the opportunity and I was so proud of what my mind & body could achieve. Like many others, the last year has offered me with time to reflect on the past & plan for the future, and I decided that I needed something to work towards, and that it needed to be something that would keep me feeling physically and mentally strong. I’ve always loved running, and when I clock up an extra bit of distance each week it always reminds me that I’m more capable than I think I am.
Why did you choose to support the Together Trust?
I have worked for the Together Trust for almost 5 years and feel proud to do so. I have previously run the Great North Run for Together Trust, so I am looking forward to raising further awareness of the trust & also fundraising for them, because the people that the trust supports are such an inspiration.
How are you finding training?
I’m lucky to live in an area full of interesting running trails & routes, and I’m also blessed with friends who also love to run and who have been happy to support me & join me on my training runs! Training was going well until my family and I fell ill with Covid so I’m hoping that the training I did manage, and my determination, will carry me through!
How has covid impacted on your fundraising and training over the last year? Have you had to change your original plans/activities?
It will be really interesting to run a virtual marathon, the support from crowds on previous runs has always given me a massive boost on the way round and made it such a great atmosphere to be a part of. I will be running the virtual marathon with friends and I know the team spirit amongst us will keep us all going!
Do you have a quote that describes how you feel about taking part in the Virtual London Marathon?
The way I feel about every run is that there is no such thing as a bad one, never ever do I come back from a run wishing I hadn’t bothered – even if I did have to drag myself out to get started! On the day that I run the VLM I will be focussed on how fortunate I am that I am able to take part in it – so many of the people the trust supports face challenges to be able participate in things that they wish they could, so I will be running this with them in my mind, and gratitude in my heart….”don’t run with your legs, run with your heart”.
We are always looking for more people to join team Together Trust and raise money to help us deliver life-changing care, support and education to thousands of people so they can lead the happy, fulfilled lives they deserve.
Click the link below to find out what events we have coming up which you can get involved in: