Are you ready to try something new with running? Whether you want to take on the ultimate challenge of a full marathon or are simply aiming to get back off the sofa after Christmas, a fundraising run is a great way to give yourself a little push into a major accomplishment. 

Take a leaf out of Meg’s book: last year, our fundraising star Meg ran the Kirkstall Half Marathon to raise funds for Eczema Outreach Support (EOS). She chose the charity as she saw how much eczema impacted her partner, Helen, every single day, and they were both appreciative of the amazing work EOS does for families affected by the condition.  

“I had no idea [eczema] could get so bad.” 

Meg, from Sunderland, said: “I don’t have eczema, and I didn’t know much about it until I met Helen. I had no idea it could get so bad. She’s had eczema her whole life, and when it flares up, it affects every little thing she does.  

“It has had a detrimental effect on her mental wellbeing and made her not want to socialise or do things she enjoyed. Helen went through Topical Steroid Withdrawal, which has been the worst part of her journey so far.”  

A former football player with Durham WFC, Meg got into running during the pandemic. She took on a 100km run for Motor Neuron Disease Association, before tackling a half marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support, honouring her grandparents for beating the disease.  

“Running was something I used to show support for the people around me, which has helped my mental health in return.” 

When you choose to do a run for charity there are lots of advantages compared to doing it on your own. It can provide extra motivation for training, as well as a whole range of supportive networks of people in the same boat. And by knowing you’re training to help a good cause, you’ll have extra motivation to show up on the day. 

“I looked forward to training for the race” said Meg, “And raising as much as possible for [EOS], such a good cause.”  

From the Edinburgh Marathon Festival to the Great North Run, EOS has charity places available in a range of events, and we can provide support and advice in making your fundraising run a massive success. Email the EOS Team at info@eos.org.uk or check out our fundraising page to find out more.