Publish date: 6 December 2023
Meet Clare Harris, Clinical Effectiveness and Audit Lead at the Trust. Clare is getting ready to take part in the Richmond Park half marathon on Sunday 17 December and will be fundraising for the West London NHS Charity. In the run up to the big day we wanted to share Clare’s West London Get Fit training journey with you. Will you take up your next fitness challenge and support the Trust charity?
Mental health –promoting awareness
I’ve worked at the Trust for 20 years, and have always been an advocate in raising awareness to support those struggling with mental health issues. I want to help support the West London NHS Charity by raising funds that can be used to improve the services and care we provide patients.
Mental health is a crucial but often stigmatised aspect of overall well-being. By running for this cause, I’m able to be part of the effort to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by helping individuals access the support and resources they need. I think it’s an opportunity to promote a healthier, more compassionate society where everyone’s mental well-being is valued and made a priority.
My running journey so far
I started my running journey in May this year by completing the Gunnersbury Parkrun a 5km race. The first one was tough but after that I felt a sense of achievement. It was a great way to start the weekend and shortly after I was out running on my own. Every time I run, I feel a sense of peace in my mind and believe it or not it helps me feel very relaxed.
Since May 2023 I’ve ventured out on longer runs, I hit 10km and realised I enjoyed slowing my pace down to run longer distances. Before I could blink, I had signed up to the Ealing Half Marathon, which I completed in September this year. The community spirit during that run was indescribable. I’ve just recently completed the Battersea Run in the Dark 10km event as part of my training, it was really good preparation for race day.
Soon after, I was searching for other organised races and signed up to the Richmond Park Half Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 17 December at 9.30am and I have 3 weeks left to train for it.
Scenic starts to the day
I love early morning runs and my new found love is running alongside the River Thames watching the sunrise. I run regularly 3-4 times per week, gradually building up the distance. At the moment I am currently hitting 10km and will increase this by 1km per week up until race day.
If you’re out and about in Richmond on 17 December, please do go along and show Clare your support. To make a small donation to Clare’s fundraiser please click here.
If you’re interested in taking on your next challenge and raising vital funds for the Trust charity please email WL.Charity@westlondon.nhs.uk
