I have always hated running, it made me feel sick, I’m no good at it and if you know me well you know I’m neither competitive nor inclined to prove anyone wrong should the occasion arise lol😉
But, if you had suggested to me just a few months ago that not only would I have lost over 3 stone and had enough training miles behind me to complete the Great Birmingham Run but be on course to finish it strong and in good time, I would have literally laughed out loud and so would everyone else!
Today with less than 48 hours until the big day I completed my last biggish training run with 10 miles in 1hr 35 mins, and I have to admit that although I never thought I would say it, I am starting to enjoy the whole running thing.
I’m feeling pretty strong, healthy, and excited but most of all I’m feeling incredibly privileged to be flying the flag on Sunday in our city for all those we have supported through Changes to sustain their recovery and to extend hope to those who are still stuck in the cycle of addiction and need to hear that recovery is not just possible but a beautiful thing.
There are people who went to #anylengths for me to reach where I am today, for me this challenge has felt a bit like that and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to persevere through and complete the challenge well. Sometimes when I’m running and feel I can’t run anymore I believe that I have to stop because it’s always going to be this tough from herein, but I keep running, I persevere and it gets easier again, this is how my recovery from addiction, stopping smoking, losing weight and running an organisation for over 10 years has been.
I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of those who have donated so far, and are helping us to raise awareness that our free placements are absolutely crucial to the city’s recovery community. There are so many other people from Birmingham and beyond who desperately need it.
If you haven’t yet donated, please can I ask you to just give what you can.
Every single penny goes into sustaining our services, we firmly believe that we can reach our community together and with each and every donation however big or small you really are helping us to do just that! Thank you. You can donate here
Unlike many large national charities, every penny you donate will go directly to supporting our clients at Changes UK. All the money raised will pay for people to access our Recovery Academy for free as many are not in the position to pay for private rehab.
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