We’ve interviewed a group of local runners fundraising for brain injury support as they take on the Reading Half Marathon.
They share why they decided to run, how they’ve prepared over the winter months and what this fundraiser means to them and to others navigating life after brain injury.
Support their fundraising!
Why fundraising at the Reading Half Marathon
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Can you briefly introduce yourself?
I’m Jenny Sawyer running the Reading Half Marathon in aid of Headway Thames Valley. I live local to Reading and am married with 2 kids.
Sally finnie, friend to Jenny.
Elspeth Liddell; friend, wife, Mum, doctor. A woman in her 40s trying to keep fit and wanting to celebrate the fact she is still able to join in with events like this.
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What inspired you to get involved with our fundraising efforts?
Jenny: I was knocked off my bike and suffered traumatic brain injury a year ago and was supported a lot by Headway Thames Valley as I worked out how to approach my rehab. There is only a little information about brain injuries out there, so it was great to have the support of Headway Thames Valley to talk through and explain what was happening. This was vitally important when my brain couldn’t process what was happening to me as it was also trying to repair itself.
Sally: As a local neuropsychologist with Berkshire NHS Foundation I am very aware of the work Headway Thames Valley does to support local people who have experienced brain injury and was only too happy to support this great cause.
Elspeth: Jenny is a friend, when I heard about her accident I was devastated. Her recovery has been extraordinary and she is an inspiration to us all. The support she has received from Headway Thames Valley has been excellent, I also have patients who have accessed Headway Thames Valley, so I was keen to give something back.
How to prepare for fundraising at the Reading Half Marathon
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How did you plan or prepare for your fundraising activity?
Jenny: My physio (Hannah) decided it would be a good idea to have a focus and so we decided to run the Reading Half Marathon together. A few friends were up for it too – those that I have run with previously and those with whom I stand next to a football pitch talking about running!
Sally: Jenny and I have extended the weekend by having a chatty Monday morning run for the last 6 months or so.
Elspeth: Fitting in training runs around the rest of the chaos of life! I am grateful to my energetic cocker spaniel for being my number one training partner.
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What part of the process did you find most rewarding or meaningful?
Jenny: The support of friends and family has been really humbling through my recovery. I’m thankful that I know I have the support of my friends to help me get round the course and help others who are going through what I have been through.
Sally: It’s been so motivating for me to run each week with Jenny, hear updates on her remarkable recovery milestones and further our friendship.
Elspeth: It is always a little overwhelming to see the generosity of family, friends and colleagues. We are grateful for every single donation.
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Did you face any unexpected challenges while fundraising, and how did you overcome them?
Jenny: Getting the website to work and making sure we had photos on there!
Sally: It’s been a very wet winter and many of the runs have been soggy and puddle ridden.
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Can you share a moment during your fundraising journey that made you feel proud or encouraged?
Jenny: The comments from people when they sponsor.
Elspeth: Our first group training run was so fun. We were just delighted to realise that we all go about the same pace, and that between us, it is unlikely that we’ll run out of things to talk about along the way.
The impact of fundraising for brain injury support
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Has supporting this cause changed your perspective in any way?
Jenny: I hadn’t heard of the charity until I had the accident and a friend pointed us to the support we as a family could get from Headway Thames Valley.
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What advice would you give to someone thinking about fundraising?
Jenny: Have a story to encourage people to support the fundraising.
Elspeth: Just do it. We are all ordinary women, wanting to celebrate our friend and her wonderful recovery and to show our gratitude that we are able to run together for this great cause.
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What message would you share to inspire others to get involved?
Jenny: The support from Headway Thames Valley really helps those with brain injury in the very early stages when there is a vacuum of information. This is vital to help with the recovery and acceptance of what is possible.
Sally: Headway Thames Valley are a superb charity. In this area NHS support for rehabilitation after a brain injury is limited, indeed there is no rehab commissioning in Twyford so Headway Thames Valley serves a vital role supporting the community. Recovery from brain injury is slow and steady, care, expertise, motivation and support are needed at each step for the injured and their loved ones. Headway Thames Valley have groups, resources and the knowledge to support those in need. I always recommend them to my clients and on this occasion, to my friend.
Support their run
If you’re interested in fundraising, volunteering or getting involved in any way, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and be part of it!
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