A Salford resident has completed a daring endurance challenge completing a coast-to-coast ultra-marathon for Headway Salford.
Local runner Rosie Leonard completed the Pen Llyn Winter Ultramarathon running across the Welsh countryside.
The fundraiser was dedicated to the charity Headway Salford, who support people affected by brain injury in the local area.
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 provide essential assistance for their 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 close place to 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.”
And with her work and support, she decided to take on the Pen Llyn Winter Ultra, the 35 mile winter race takes participants on a tough journey across Pen Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales.
The route is not for the faint hearted, with not only the distance being an issue but runners have to take on over 1,500 meters of elevation gain.
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 marathons are designed to be both physically and mentally challenging.
As 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, is the Community Support Officer for Headway Salford and Trafford, and she commented on how this money will aid the charity.
Chloe said: “Its a huge amount. Our Thursday sessions costs £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 expressed that individual fundraising efforts are pivotal to the charity, as she continued: “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,” she explained.
The charity holds a close place to their heart, and it is why the two sisters go the extra mile for the cause.
Chloe added: “Headway not only provide support in the rehabilitation, we also help with benefit forms, any letters that come through, and we also have a carer session as well, which is once a month to provide support for carers.
“We’re currently going out into the community for people whose family members are currently 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.
If you would like to support the charity and donate click here.
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