Hi everyone,

This year, I’m taking on the Great North Run in my wheelchair for the very first time.

It’s a big challenge — I’ve never pushed myself anywhere near this distance before. It’s going to be tough, but I’m doing it for two organisations that have made a real difference in my life: Gym Possible and the Matt Hampson Foundation.

These two communities have shown me what’s possible when you’re supported, encouraged, and pushed to go further than you ever thought you could. So now, I want to give something back.

I’ll be supported on the day by Louise, my physio from Gym Possible, and Shannon, my personal trainer. Between them, they’ve helped me prepare both physically and mentally for what’s ahead — and I honestly couldn’t do this without them.

This run isn’t just about crossing a finish line. It’s about showing what can be done when you don’t let limitations define you. It’s about pushing forwards — one mile at a time — and proving to myself that I can do this.

If you can spare anything to support these amazing causes, I’d be so grateful. And if not, just cheering me on will mean the world.

Thanks for being part of this journey with me.

— Kirsten

#GreatNorthRun #GymPossible #MattHampsonFoundation #KeepPushing

The Get Busy Living Centre provides expert physiotherapy, specialist personal training, support, mentoring and advice to people suffering a life-changing injury through sport. It's a unique facility which opened its doors in 2018 and is the brainchild of founder and former England and Leicester Tigers rugby player Matt Hampson, who himself experienced a life-changing injury in 2005 leaving him paralysed from the neck down, aged just 20.

Building a sense of community is central to the Matt Hampson Foundation. In the aftermath of an incident which leads to a life-changing injury most people and their families feel isolated with an overwhelming sense of loss for what has been taken away from them.