Teacher takes on a race every month in preparation for metric marathon

Charlotte, who lives in Crewe, but hails from Welshpool, is taking part in 12 10km runs throughout the year, as well as tackling Chester’s 26.2km race in October. She is running for Hope House children’s hospice, the hospice which supports and cares for the son of a close friend she’s known since school. Hope House is also where her younger sister Gemma Lewis works as an assistant manager in the Welshpool charity shop.

“I grew up in Welshpool and moved to Crewe to study for my degree in Primary Education. I have lived there ever since.

“My younger sister is the Assistant Manager for the Welshpool Hope House charity shop and I have a school friend Olivia Groves whose son Ellison is supported by the hospice. I raise money for one charity per year through my running, and this year I wanted to raise funds for a local charity. This seemed the perfect one.

“Alongside the Chester Metric marathon, I am hoping to complete 12 races, the equivalent of one per month. So far, I have done 10k races in St Helens, Nantwich, Welshpool, Newtown, Cheshire, a 5K track race in Crewe and Parkruns. I am hoping to complete other 10ks in Warrington, Knutsford and Oswestry and then end the year with some festive races.”

Her favourite race so far has been in her hometown Welshpool.

“I always love coming back to Welshpool, and it’s always fabulous to have my mum and sisters at the finish line,” she says.

Charlotte has been running 5ks for several years but says that around three years ago, she decided to train for longer distances of 10k and then moved onto the ultimate goal of a half marathon. She completed her first half marathon in Manchester in May 2022.

“Unfortunately, last year, I gained a hip injury from training and had to stop running for most of the year. However, by the beginning of 2024, I was free from injury and fit again. I joined Nantwich running club and decided to set myself a challenge that would keep the momentum of running up continuously rather than just one race. So, decided to try to enter one 10k per month. Then I saw an email for Chester Metric marathon and decided to use this as my long-term goal this year. It is the longest distance that I have ran in an official race!”

Charlotte visited the hospice last month to find out a bit more about how they support children with life-threatening conditions and their families.

“It truly was a humbling experience. I had goosebumps walking around and seeing what support the hospice provides for local families. It has definitely kept me going as I have been clocking up the miles for the metric marathon on October 6.

She has also received lots of support from old schoolfriend Olivia and her son Ellison.

“Truly, when I don’t feel like training and particularly if it’s pouring down, I think of Ellison’s smile, resilience and determination. It keeps me going and I feel very proud to help raise funds for such a very special place who provides invaluable support for Olivia and families like hers.”

Charlotte hopes to raise £500, donations can be made at hopehouse.org.uk/charlotte-runs

If you’d like to take part in a running event, such as the Oswestry 10k, for Hope House children’s hospice then go to hopehouse.org.uk/run

By Eluned Watson - Contributor