Running and mental health: seeking a corporate partner to help transform the nation’s mental wellbeing

These stories form part of a campaign by the Home Country Athletics Federations seeking a corporate partner to help them transform the nation’s mental wellbeing through the power of group running.

Hayley Jarvis

Hayley, Run Leader of Jolly Joggers RunTogether group, tells her story of how running helped transform her self esteem and cope with grief. She subsequently set up her own supportive and inclusive beginner running group that helps people who want to improve their mental wellbeing by being more active.

Josie Rhisiart

Josie, Run Leader of The Mon Milers Run Wales social running group shares how running help her cope with the terrible loss of her child. Now she is committed to helping others on the running journey – setting up The Mon Milers encouraging runners of all abilities to experience the joy of running.

Mark Gallagher

Mark was a talented young athlete but fell out of love with the sport and adopted an increasingly unhealthy lifestyle. Inspired by the loss of his father and sister to his cancer, Mark took part in local fun run to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. The run re-ignited his love of running and since joining a local running club he has transformed his life and is once again a leading endurance runner but now as a Masters athlete.      

Zara Al-Marashi

Zara had a very active and sports filled childhood, but anxiety about wearing a hijab whilst exercising led to her stopping and contributed to weight gain and unhealthy restrictive eating behaviours. Getting married and moving to a new area inspired her to restart running. Since joining two running groups she is now a role model for other young hijabi women to overcome their fear of judgment and start running.