Inspired by a person I recently worked with in psychiatric intensive care, I’m attempting this year’s Manchester Half marathon whilst raising funds for the Manchester Refugee Support Network.

The furthest I’ve ever ran is 10km which was over 4 years ago. I wouldn’t have even entertained the idea of being able to run a half marathon if these conversations hadn’t got me thinking differently…

I recently spoke with someone who’d faced many life-threatening experiences that really are unimaginable for most of us. They’re enough to completely shatter a young person’s belief in themself and their faith in humanity. But for this person they hadn’t, or at least not permanently. They hadn’t shattered their kindness, curiosity and willingness to learn, or their strength and determination. In fact, in the midst of all the trauma and the loss, they learnt to speak 5 languages, taught kids to play chess, volunteered to help other people, and they somehow got up and ran. They said that for all of their life, running had been their therapy and they were running several marathons every week! At just 27, their contribution to the world was greater than what most people with comfortable security would give in their lifetime.

It really made me think about my own contributions, and my fragile resilience. I only have to experience a minor stress or inconvenience and I take to my bed where I can sulk for hours on end, being no use to nobody. So, instead, I’ve decided to use this inspiration to stop sulking, to get active instead, and to raise funds that will go towards the MRSN who work hard to help refugees rebuild their lives, to find the same strength to overcome hardship, and to eventually pursue their passions.