JCF Press

 

19 March 2011 - Julian Campbell Foundation Charity Run

My First 5K Run

On the morning of Saturday 26th February I blearily opened my eyes then remembered with a jolt…race day was here! The butterflies in my stomach kicked in immediately, different emotions flitting about wildly, nerves, anxiety, determination and above all excitement. Although I wasn’t too happy to hear the pitter patter of raindrops outside!

When I was first asked to run the 5K for the Julian Campbell Foundation I jumped at the chance. This inspirational charity is very close to my heart and Julian himself was a good friend of mine. Additionally, running a 5K was one of the items on my Bucket List (list of things to do before you die) so I was eager to be able to cross it off.

I discovered an inspiring quote from a man named Dean Karnazes. “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up”.

I was excited to begin training. In the last year I’ve really got in to exercising and keeping fit from swimming to Zumba classes. I knew that training for the run would present me with a new challenge and help me re-focus and gain new motivation.

I ran for about 20 or 30 minutes, three times a week, making sure to precede each session with a 5 minute walk or jog, and of course stretching before and after. I found it tough at times. When I’m running, in my mind I’m this strong, fit, powerful runner who can go for miles and miles, then all of a sudden, the reality of my body sets in and I get out of breathe and ache. But I was determined and as the weeks progressed it did get a bit easier. I am so pleased I stuck with it.

Anyway, back to race day! My brother Peter was also running, but instead of the 5K he was doing the 10K. We had a cup of tea, munched a banana each and put on our “runfits” (run + outfit = runfit) and then along with Pete’s girlfriend Daisy, headed to beautiful Richmond Park.

I was especially proud of my baby brother as a couple of days before the race he had sustained an eye injury playing football. He’d had to rush to Moorefield’s eye hospital where he was told he had suspected acute glaucoma in the right eye. The poor thing had temporary loss of vision due to build up of pressure and was still going to run the 10K despite only being able to see out of one eye! Now that’s dedication!

On the way, my boyfriend Matt called me to wish me luck (so I thought) He had wanted to come and support me but couldn’t due to playing in a football match. But it turns out he was actually in Richmond waiting for us! His football game had been cancelled a few days before, but he hadn’t told me as he’d wanted to surprise me. Which he certainly did!

When we arrived at Richmond Park the rain had progressed from merely spitting to full on pouring! Pete and I queued up to receive our race packs which consisted of race number and race chip. We pinned our numbers to the front of our tops. I was 73 and Pete was 391. Then attached our race chips around our ankles. These clever little gadgets correspond with your race number and record your time from when you cross the starting line to when your reach the finish line.

Unfortunately Jacqui and Matt were no where to be seen. None of us had realised just how huge Richmond Park was and I later learned they had entered the park at an entrance on the opposite side! By a stroke of luck they bumped into each other and were able to make their way to the race base together.

Just before 10.00am an announcement resounded loud and clear for the 5K runners to assemble at the starting line. (The 10K was due to begin 10 minutes later) This was it! As I took my place I breathed deeply in and out a few times to calm myself down. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my body.

BANG, we were off! From the moment I crossed the start line I knew that crossing the finishing line would be one of the best moments of my life.

The course was 1 lap for the 5k and 2 for the 10k. It was a mix of country paths, a little bit of cross country and as the race organisers mentioned “slightly undulating“! However, my version of slightly undulating must be different to theirs! There were some steep climbs, but accompanied with each climb was a downhill stretch, which I loved.

After a few minutes of running and finding a pace I was comfortable with I heard a loud, “Sah!!!” It was Matt and Jacqui. They cheered me on which really motivated me and snapped a few photos, making me giggle. Their support and encouragement really spurred me on, I felt unstoppable and my pace increased even more!

My goal had been not only to finish, but to run the whole way, without walking. But realistically, I knew I would have to slow down to a fast walk to catch my breathe a few times. I managed to keep this down to three times though, which I was happy about.

Even running in the rain didn’t worry me in the end. It was strangely liberating! It was refreshing and ensured I didn’t get too hot. Not only did it keep me cool it kind of felt like more of an achievement.

My new trainers made me feel like I was running on clouds. Although they didn’t look so brand new at the end, covered in mud! The rain was relentless, I was soaked through to the skin. But once you’re wet, you’re wet, so I figured I may as well embrace it!

As I ran I overtook a few people. Maybe my competitive side came out?! Who knows. At one point as I overtook two guys, one of them exclaimed, “Oh no, we’ve got a girl overtaking us! Right in front of the official photographer!” Sure enough there he was, poised and ready to snap unsuspecting sweaty runners in action! Luckily for them, there was no incriminating photographic evidence on the website of a girl overtaking them, the photographer had been a bit too far away.

Along the course there were markers for each kilometre completed which was great. I knew the end was in sight as I passed the 4K sign. Something in me clicked and I pulled out all the stops and ran as fast as I possibly could!

As I neared the finish line I could hear Matt and Jacqui cheering me on, “Go on Sarah!” For a second things seemed to go into slow motion. I felt amazing, full of energy and no aches. My legs felt strong and I felt like I could run forever. As I crossed the finish line I felt absolutely fantastic. It was definitely one of the best moments of my life. I felt very proud to be running on behalf of JCF. And so pleased that I had managed to raise almost £300 for such a good cause. I would recommend it to everyone!

Jacqui and Matt hugged, kissed and congratulated me. I was so happy to have their support. It really made a difference. I collected my medal and then we found Daisy and waited for Peter to finish the 10K race.

The moment he came into sight I cheered and whooped and hollered and shouted encouragement. Then gave him the biggest hug ever when he came to join us.

Together we went to the race timings tent to find out our times. When I was told I completed the 5K in 34 minutes I was in shock! The best I had managed in training was 45 minutes! Peter completed the 10K in 49 minutes which I thought was epic! Especially with his eye injury. What a hero. I’m very pleased to say, he is okay now, no permanent damage thankfully.

So, will I continue running? Yes I will! I may just be addicted! The 5K run was a brilliant experience and I’ve now completed another item on my bucket list! This gives me hope that I can achieve so much more.

Sarah Neville

 

 

9 August 2010

Julian Campbell Foundation Charity Sky Dive

On Saturday 31st July 2010, 9 eager charity sky divers had an early start. They met at Beccles Heliport in Suffolk. “I’m really happy that everyone has turned up and jointly we’ve raised over £3,000 this time!” said Jacqui Campbell, founder of the Julian Campbell Foundation. This charity was set up to help give guidance to young adults in their teens and twenties who suspect they may be having problems with their mental health. Predominately the aim is to support kids with bi-polar disorder in and into education. Part of the funds raised from this parachute jump will be used to train up individuals to become mentors.

The Foundation is in its early stages and once it has raised its first £5,000 (which it is getting very close to) it will be able to register as a charity

In order to raise vital funds, Jacqui organised a sponsored skydive. This was the second time the charity has jumped.

Jacqui said before this second jump, “I’m really excited. I am looking forward to jumping out of the plane and remembering to keep my eyes open. I’m not sure if I’m going to be screaming like last time, this time I want to really embrace it”.

The jumpers had to attend a training session after registration. The majority were jumping for the first time and were to experience their first freefall in tandem, harnessed to a qualified skydiving instructor.

One jumper, Matt was an experienced diver with years under his belt. He was jumping solo. “Any excuse to throw myself out of a plane“, said Matt when asked why he was getting involved……………………….unfortunately due to bad weather Matt had to take a rain check this time!

The girl divers showed more emotion as they waited around for the rain to pass and to get suited up and board their plane. “I did have second thoughts”, said Charlotte giggling, “But then I thought you have to test yourself sometimes”.

Meanwhile the lads were as excited but had a calmer manner. “I just can’t wait to get up there, really looking forward to it”, said Graham…..who was scared of heights….but not anymore!! He raised funds and conquered his fears!

Finally the clouds & rain passed and the jumpers boarded the small plane that took them 13,000 feet high with their instructors. Viewing from the ground, some time passed before they were first sighted up in the air. They could be identified by their different coloured parachutes. Finally they were lined up for a safe landing in the air field, holding their legs up in the air to land on their behinds.

The reaction of the skydivers was varied. Most were elated Anjula said simply “It was like looking down on heaven”. She had managed to raise more than £1,000 by the time she jumped. ‘I really have been touched by everyone’s generosity. It just kept coming in. It’s been incredible. Thank you to everyone who has donated money to the Julian Campbell Foundation’ The DVD and some photos of her jump will be on the Julian Campbell website soon.

Julian Campbell Foundation has a 3rd skydive on Saturday 25th September to raise more money. Please send any donations to the Julian Campbell Foundation. See the website for details.

Alex Kenny