A Salford athlete has completed a daring endurance challenge running a coast-to-coast ultra-marathon for charity.
Runner Rosie Leonard completed the Pen Llyn Winter Ultramarathon through the Welsh countryside.
The fundraiser was dedicated to the charity Headway Salford, which supports people affected by brain injury.
The challenging run completed by Rosie was able to raise £315, and will be ever so important for providing vital information, support, and social activities for individuals with acquired brain injuries.
The charity also provides essential assistance for carers, families, and friends offering a space where people can share experiences while also allowing people to connect with others, and understand the challenges of living with brain injury.
Headway Salford holds a very special place in her heart, with Rosie seeing firsthand the incredible work the charity does, aiding patients and family through the process.
She said: “Every couple of weeks I work with Headway Salford and Trafford to deliver environmental sessions as part of my role as a neighbourhood development worker for Inspiring Communities Together.”
She decided to take on the Pen Llyn Winter Ultra, the 35-mile winter race which takes participants on a tough journey across Pen Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales.
The route is not for the faint hearted, as runners also have to tackle a 1,500-meter climb.
The run has a diverse range of terrains, from sandy beaches and rocky trails to muddy paths and road sections.
The tough challenge of the ultra marathon is designed to be both physically and mentally challenging.
Rosie said: “In races this long there are parts where your body is absolutely more than capable to keep pushing but your mind is thinking of the challenges ahead.
“Your body becomes sore but you’ve just got to push on and think of the bigger picture – or what meal you have planned at the end of it.”
Upon crossing the finish line, Rosie said: “I was relieved. There were parts where you’re panic thinking if you don’t complete it have you let people down.”
She added: “I was also so extremely proud of my amazing running partner who completed the race when he didn’t feel 100% and that is just crazy to me.
“It also proved to me our bodies are so much more capable of what we think they are and this just proves it.”
Reflecting on the money she raised, Rosie continued: “It makes me feel really happy that I can help in anyway that I can, especially in terms of raising awareness.
“Headway is such an amazing charity and does such amazing work for it’s families so they deserve all the recognition they get,” she added.
Her sister, Chloe Leonard, who is the community support officer for Headway Salford and Trafford, said: “Its a huge amount. Our Thursday sessions cost £75, so her fundraiser helps fund three sessions.
“We also have a helpline which costs £250 to run for the full year so her effort helps cover the cost.”
Chloe said: “We have a commission service, but without the donation of people, we won’t be able to put on the activities that we do.
“We have people coming in to do guided meditation, armchair exercises, sound baths, arts and crafts sessions.
“We wouldn’t be able to pivot anything like that without individual fundraisers.”
Headway also helps with benefit forms, any letters that come through, and a monthly carer session.
She said: “We’re currently going out into the community for people whose family members are in the ICU with brain injuries, and I’d like to say, we go above and beyond for people with head injuries.”
Rosie and Chloe are deeply grateful for donations and support they received from friends, family, and the community.
To support the charity and donate click here.
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