Kate runs the Brighton Marathon for Renew Counselling and Training! 

We’re so proud to have the brilliant Kate, an administrator at Renew, running for us at the Brighton Marathon this April! 

It was wonderful to find out a bit more about her and why she chose to run for Renew.  

Want to show your support? Head to the bottom of the article and click ‘Donate’.  

Hi Kate! We’re delighted to have you running for Renew this April. Can you tell us about your connection to Renew? 

I’m an Administrator for Renew’s Basildon Centre. I love working here and the ethos of the charity and everything it stands for. 

Have you taken part in many runs like Brighton Marathon? How did you get into running?  

I had a foot operation in 2022. I have a condition called Morton’s Neuroma, it’s like a small pebble constantly in your foot. I had surgery and the doctors said that I wouldn’t be able to do any long distance running again because it may cause loads of issues. 

Fast forward to 2024, I got a phone call from a charity called TOFS (Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula Support), which is really close to my heart because my son was born with the condition. They asked me to represent them at the London Marathon. And it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so I did it!  

Why is running to raise money for more mental health support important to you?  

Running promotes mental health- it’s the best medicine you can have for your mind. It’s a lot of endurance, however it’s also a lot of time to process your thoughts and feelings. The endorphin boost from exercise is great for your mental health. Doing something for my mental health whilst raising money for mental health seems like a great fit! 

Why do you think people should donate?  

I think people should donate to support a small local charity. Large charities are very fortunate to get such big corporate sponsors, whereas smaller charities unfortunately don’t get the same opportunities. That’s why I feel like you should donate locally and support people within our area.  

How have you found training for the Marathon so far?  

I feel really, really confident. I did a 15-mile trail run in the mud, which was crazy, but I feel confident in everything that I’m doing! I’m sticking to my plan and I’m hoping to do it in under four and a half hours this year.   

You can show your support by clicking the donation link below.  

Renew counsellor Scott to take part in the Vitality 10k Run for Renew Counselling and Training

With a 10K route taking in many of the capital’s most iconic landmarks – culminating with a finish in front of Buckingham Palace – we’re thrilled to have another team of runners taking part of the Vitality London 10,000 on behalf of Renew.

Scott, a counsellor at Renew, is one of the runners running for Renew at the Vitality 10k, and we were delighted to find out a bit more about him and why he supports our work.

Can you tell us a bit about your connection to Renew/career path up to now?

I started my counselling placement with Renew back in 2019, and have been here ever since! After my placement, I volunteered for a while, then started working with clients dealing with homelessness, then with other adults. I did some extra training to work with young people, so I’m now working with that age group too.

Why did you choose to become a counsellor?

A friend of mine had gone to see a counsellor after a tough period in his life, and found it really helpful. That planted the seed. After having some counselling myself, I was interested in finding out more. At the time, I was working for my church going into schools and supporting young people, and I felt counselling would really help me with that. I decided to give the initial counselling training (a Level 2 course) a go at a local college, and enjoyed it, so I kept going! 

Have you taken part in many runs like this one? How did you get into running?

I’ve done a few 10k runs over the past few years, some local, some in London. The distance is a challenge but one I know I can do. I’ve always been into sport, and I used to go running now and then at university. A number of years ago, my church organised a charity run, and I did quite well in it. After that I began getting into Parkrun, which has really kept me running up until now. 

Why is running to raise money for more mental health support important to you?

I have seen firsthand how counselling can make such a difference in someone’s life. Not only for me, but for other people too. I know this money will mean more people will be able to get the help and support that they need.

Why should people donate?

Because even a small amount can make a difference. £5 or £10 can help make a counselling session affordable for someone, or go towards training more counsellors for the local area, or help fund an in-school counsellor.

How have you found training for the 10k so far?

So far, so good! I’ve actually created a training plan for the first time, and I’m keeping to it. At the moment, I am feeling pretty confident with my training and hoping I don’t pick up any injuries.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when you finish the race?

I think I’ll go out for a tasty meal somewhere, and replace all those calories I’ve burnt off!

Keegan to take part in the Vitality 10k Run for Renew Counselling and Training

Keegan is one of the runners running for Renew at the Vitality 10k, and we were delighted to find out a bit more about him and why he supports our work.

Hi Keegan, thank you so much for supporting this cause! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a personal trainer, and I’ve been running my studio KGN training for 6 years. I help clients reach their goals in sports, fitness and weight loss, as well as helping them enjoy exercise.

Why did you decide to become a personal trainer?

I’ve always been into sport and like to set goals for myself. As time has gone on, I’ve realised how important it is for your mental health to put energy into something. Releasing pent up energy through exercise gives me a sense of relief, and I get to help people find that out for themselves.

How do you motivate yourself while you’re running?

Listening to podcasts or Audible takes your mind off the pain in your legs when you’re running and gives you  something else to focus your mind on, so you don’t get tired or bored. Stories, books, podcasts, they give you something to think about while your body’s doing the work for you.

I’ve got an ultra-run coming up, which is a 50km run. I’ve been training for 8 weeks then after that I’ve got another 7 until the run, so the Vitality run is a challenge that will keep me motivated until then.

How did you hear about Renew?

One of my clients is good friends with someone who works at Renew, and they mentioned the Vitality 10k.

Why is Renew’s work important to you?

I actually see a private counsellor myself, and I see the benefits from going to therapy, so it’s a real shame that people can’t access this kind of help because of financial reasons. If you’re in a sticky situation and alone, therapy can help that. Especially during the cost-of-living crisis, Renew helps people have one less worry and gives them somewhere to go for support.

How has the gym helped your mental health?

On days when you don’t want to train, you can push yourself to go to the gym. It builds consistency as you go in not wanting to do it but come out buzzing. Going to the gym reminds me that if I can push myself there through the tough session, I can get through personal problems too because once you’ve been through the suffering in the gym, you know that you’re tough enough to go through other problems too. It’s a healthy way of building that discipline.  

 

Olli to take part in the South Coast Ultra Challenge for Renew Counselling and Training

Our dedicated fundraiser Olli will be running for us at the South Coast Ultra Challenge this September! Read on to find out more about Olli and why he’s running for Renew.

Olli is a return fundraiser for Renew, having completed challenges for the charity in the past including the London Marathon. For his latest fundraising activity, Olli will be taking part in the South Coast Ultra Challenge.

The South Downs National Park is the backdrop for 2000 adventurers to take on this epic endurance event. An Eastbourne start, up Beachy Head, the magnificent Seven Sisters, and along the South Downs Way, with stunning views over the sea, to a Brighton half-way. Devil’s Dyke, and a few ups and downs lie ahead before historic Arundel comes into view after an amazing 100 km journey.

You can show your support by clicking the donation link below.

Hi Olli! Thank you so much for undertaking this challenge for Renew. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Olli, a Personal Trainer in my early thirties. I enjoy training and taking part in triathlons, going to gigs when I have the time (and money!), and making the most of family time with my newborn son, Maddox, and partner, Georgie. 

Can you tell us about your fitness journey?

Running and fitness has always been part of my life. My parents enjoy fitness and have taken part in a number of half marathons and local run events, where my brother and I were always encouraged to take part. 

I was never a good runner but started to take it more seriously in 2022, and have found that setting goals helps keep up motivation, even at the toughest of times. 

Why is running for more mental health support important to you?

It is important to me to support charities like Renew because mental health services are still largely underfunded, and if I can help spread the word about their work and that there are alternative options for those that are unable to afford private counselling or are stuck on long NHS waiting lists, then hopefully more people will get the support they need. 

What do you think of Renew’s work in Essex and East London?

Renew continue to do a great job at supporting those that otherwise wouldn’t be able to access counselling services. The work they do training counsellors helps ensure they can continue to deliver an excellent service, creating professional, certified counsellors for an ever-growing community need. 

How have you found training for the Ultra Challenge?

With such a long distance and large training volume, I have been doing strength work to prevent injury. I thankfully can do this at work in between clients. 

I do enjoy running as it provides me time to think and reflect. I have found that early morning sunrise runs help set me up for the day, and I enjoy the solitude, being in nature without the noises of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. 

What’s the first thing you’ll do when you’ve finished? 

The first thing I’ll do is take a dip in the sea, so I don’t feel the pain in my body, whilst planning the next fun challenge!

Rachael runs the Hackney Half Marathon for Renew Counselling and Training

We’re delighted to have the wonderful Rachael running for us at the Hackney Half Marathon this May! Read on to find out more about Rachael and why she’s running for Renew.

You can show your support by clicking the donation link below.

Hi Rachael! Thank you so much for undertaking this challenge for Renew. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Rachael, a Londoner in my twenties working in urban regeneration and placemaking. When I’m not training for a half marathon you can find me enjoying live music, seeing the world, hanging out with my housemates and our dog or sipping on an Aperol Spritz with friends!

How did you get into running?

After a few attempts of 5km runs during my prescribed 1 hour outing in the pandemic, I overestimated my ability in running and got myself roped in to running for The Passage in the London Marathon back in 2021. It’s a charity my mum supports and works closely with. I enjoyed the whole process of training more than I thought I would and was impressed at the body’s ability to adapt to something you once thought you couldn’t achieve! Since then, I’ve kept up running with this year’s Hackney Half being my second half marathon since the London Marathon.

For me, exercise has always been an outlet to help manage stress but I found running to be a real crutch in helping to switch off and reset during a tumultuous period.

Why is running for more mental health support important to you?

I’m a huge advocate for mental health support, particularly counselling. I’m quite open with my own positive experiences with counselling, but I also don’t take for granted that I was in a fortunate and privileged position to be able to access the support when I needed it.

Sadly, mental health support is not widely accessible, which is further exacerbated by the rising demand. I feel very strongly about ensuring everyone can have the tools and support that they need and deserve, in the same way our physical health is supported.

I think there are still taboos and stigma associated with mental health but things are starting to change, with people slowly being more open about their own experiences and normalising the conversation. Running for Renew is just a very small way in which I can further that message!

What do you think of Renew’s work in Essex and East London?

Renew does an amazing job in supporting the local communities of Essex and East London, making sure that many people who would not otherwise be able to afford counselling are given the support that they need. Through their training programmes they empower people to become experienced, professional counsellors that provide clients with a safe and supportive space.

How have you found training for the Hackney Half?

It’s been a cold and long winter so it’s been a bit harder than usual to motivate myself , but it’s also been a great way to explore my local area as I moved to a new house in November.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when you’ve finished? 

100% have a cold beer – got to replace those carbs and rehydrate…