Julia's House fundraisers get half marathon training from double Olympian
Liz Yelling has been helping those running for the children's hospice
A Team GB marathon runner and Commonwealth Games medallist is supporting a group of runners raising money for Julia's House children's hospice with training sessions and advice.
Liz Yelling has been working with the so-called Team 13, led by the Dorset and Wiltshire charity's Corporate Fundraiser Caroline Attreed.
She's planning to run 13 miles (a half marathon) to mark her 13 years with the cause, as part of a group of 13 local business leaders aiming to raise £13,000.
Caroline says she was keen to do something to support her workplace's efforts to support children with life-limiting conditions and their families:
“When I started my role at Julia’s House, James Benamor was one of the first business people I met. James is CEO of Richmond Group and one of our ambassadors. It was James I met with to talk through my idea of this challenge. He helped me to get started and is always such a great motivation and wonderful supporter.
"I invited another Julia’s House ambassador, Liz Yelling, to talk to the team before one of our training runs and was so delighted when she said yes! Liz is such an inspirational athlete and has competed in two Olympic marathons. She was really motivational and gave us some great tips and techniques to take away and put into practice.”
Liz put the fundraisers through their paces with some interval training, and left them with a few words of encouragement and advice:
“The best thing about going into an event with a team is the support, encouragement and accountability you offer each other, I think this is so motivational, and helps you to get out on those runs, when otherwise you may not. It helps you to feel excited about race day and feeling a part of something. So encourage each other on the journey to the start line, and show interest in each other’s training journeys."
Team 13 will complete the half-marathon challenge for Julia’s House on 9 October.
You can support the team with donations by visiting their JustGiving page.