Running for The Tom Clarke Foundation - WARNING: NON-RUNNER ATTEMPTING TO RUN !!
Helen Nightingale
My Story
About us
Yes, you read that right. I, a person who breaks into a sweat just thinking about running for a bus, have signed up for the Great North Run. Am I mad? Possibly. Am I ready? Not even close. But I’m doing it – and here's why.
Anyone who knows me knows I am not a runner. Not now. Not ever. My trainers were last used for unaliving a spider. I’ve started my training late (classic me), and it's fair to say that "Couch to Half Marathon" feels less like a plan and more like a desperate cry for help.
That said, I’m taking inspiration from the wise words of Keith Gray, who was taken too soon by a brain tumour. Keith used to say, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." So that’s exactly how I’m tackling this – one run at a time, ticking off the Couch to Half Marathon plan (and then some), and definitely not thinking about the whole elephant... because let’s be honest, the elephant is not just in the room – it's stomping on my procrastination. Yes, I should’ve started earlier. No, I’m not ready. But here we are.
And here’s the most important bit: I’m doing this to support something far more important than my personal comfort – The Tom Clarke Foundation.
We have been in awe of the incredible work that Emily, Scott and Jill have done to support and set up this foundation in Tom’s memory. Everything they’ve done – and continue to do – to raise awareness and support the charities that were close to Tom Clarke’s heart is nothing short of inspiring.
So whether you're cheering me on, laughing at my “running” form, or just here to support a very worthy cause – I’m grateful. Please consider sponsoring me – every donation, large or small, makes a difference.
🖤 Support the amazing work of the Tom Clarke Foundation: 🌐 www.tomclarkefoundation.org 📘 Tom Clarke Foundation on Facebook The money is raised in Toms name and I get to pick where the money goes – so it’ll be split between St Luke’s Hospice and the Brain Tumour Trust. Two brilliant causes that really need the support.
Think of me when I'm dragging myself out for a training run... but more importantly, think of the lives that the Tom Clarke Foundation continues to impact.
P.S. I've set a high fundraising target – because this is very much a one-time-only event! So please dig deep if you can!
Yes, you read that right. I, a person who breaks into a sweat just thinking about running for a bus, have signed up for the Great North Run. Am I mad? Possibly. Am I ready? Not even close. But I’m doing it – and here's why.
Anyone who knows me knows I am not a runner. Not now. Not ever. My trainers were last used for unaliving a spider. I’ve started my training late (classic me), and it's fair to say that "Couch to Half Marathon" feels less like a plan and more like a desperate cry for help.
That said, I’m taking inspiration from the wise words of Keith Gray, who was taken too soon by a brain tumour. Keith used to say, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." So that’s exactly how I’m tackling this – one run at a time, ticking off the Couch to Half Marathon plan (and then some), and definitely not thinking about the whole elephant... because let’s be honest, the elephant is not just in the room – it's stomping on my procrastination. Yes, I should’ve started earlier. No, I’m not ready. But here we are.
And here’s the most important bit: I’m doing this to support something far more important than my personal comfort – The Tom Clarke Foundation.
We have been in awe of the incredible work that Emily, Scott and Jill have done to support and set up this foundation in Tom’s memory. Everything they’ve done – and continue to do – to raise awareness and support the charities that were close to Tom Clarke’s heart is nothing short of inspiring.
So whether you're cheering me on, laughing at my “running” form, or just here to support a very worthy cause – I’m grateful. Please consider sponsoring me – every donation, large or small, makes a difference.
🖤 Support the amazing work of the Tom Clarke Foundation: 🌐 www.tomclarkefoundation.org 📘 Tom Clarke Foundation on Facebook The money is raised in Toms name and I get to pick where the money goes – so it’ll be split between St Luke’s Hospice and the Brain Tumour Trust. Two brilliant causes that really need the support.
Think of me when I'm dragging myself out for a training run... but more importantly, think of the lives that the Tom Clarke Foundation continues to impact.
P.S. I've set a high fundraising target – because this is very much a one-time-only event! So please dig deep if you can!
