How Shout and my dad inspired me to run the Paris Marathon: Fran's story
Fran recently ran the Paris Marathon and raised over £1,200 for Shout. She was inspired by her dad, who volunteers for our service. Here, she shares her experience, from the challenges she faced, to the highlights and achievements along the way.
First thing’s first, we need to rewind 10+ years. When I started running, it was to lose weight and help with my mental health. I never dreamed of running a marathon. But in October 2015, there I was, on the start line of the inaugural Bristol-to-Bath marathon with my dad. We ran it in good time, I had an amazing experience, and I swore never to run another again!
I did think I would carry on running, but 9 years on and I hadn’t run more than a few metres to catch a train, and was at one of the most unhappiest moments of my life. I moved to Northampton for a ‘new beginning’ and joined a run club (shout out to Northampton Road runners!). It was there, doing their Fast Track to 5k, that I got the idea to do another marathon. I knew I wanted to fundraise for Shout and thought I could do something like London. When I checked, I saw Paris - it was hardly a hardship to decide to go to that beautiful city!
Testimonials
My dad motivated me to fundraise for Shout. Dad is one of my biggest heroes and cheerleaders. I’ve been in awe of him ever since he started volunteering for Shout. I saw what amazing work Shout is doing, and knew I had to help somehow.
Running for my mental health
I’d say the run and training was massively beneficial for my mental health, but that would be conveniently forgetting the meltdowns I had before long runs. Training for a marathon isn’t for the faint-hearted, and it took a lot of mental resilience to push through those barriers.
However, I say all this with the knowledge that if I wasn’t running, my mental health would be a lot worse. Something about getting out in the open air and feeling your body doing something amazing is worth it. It helped that I made friends at the run club, so there was the social aspect too.
My highlights
During training, it was finding other people to run with, and the great conversations we had along the way. NRR is a fantastic run club that’s so welcoming, and I’ve never felt out of place, no matter my size, fitness level or confidence.
On the marathon itself, it was seeing the sights, having my mum and sister supporting me, and finding a new friend to run with.
Highlights of fundraising? Easy. Meeting my milestones - £100, £500 and then the big £1,000. I was so touched by people's responses to the fundraising, from kind messages to very generous donations.
Testimonials
I was proud to be doing something for such a great cause, and every penny convinced me to get closer to that finish line!
Making the most of your fundraising event
Make sure to enjoy it! You’re doing something incredible, and it should be fun. Try and get as creative as you can; if you’re doing a coffee morning, can you add an activity in for the kids? If you’re in a bath full of baked beans, can you wear a comedy hat just to really draw attention? Fundraising isn’t easy, so be brave. Ask for money, and if they can’t donate, ask them to share your donation link instead. The more people see it, the better.
