Hope Haven celebrates latest milestone as King Street hub opens
Dedicated runners are taking on the world’s biggest half marathon to raise money for an NHS charity.
On 13 September, 14 participants will be running the Great North Run for the SHINE Fund, part of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW).
SHINE aims to improve experience and wellbeing for patients across the Trust’s mental health, learning disability and neurological care services.
Money from the SHINE Fund is used to provide the extras that make a big difference to patient recovery. It has funded hundreds of projects, supporting patients with everything from exercise equipment and gardening tools to ward decorations and yoga classes.
Fawaz Awolola is running after spending time in hospital himself. He is feeling positive about the event; he runs 40 miles a week and is hoping for a half-marathon PB.
He said: “The activities that genuinely supported my recovery were the ones that brought movement, connection and a sense of normality back into my life.
“Life got heavier during that period but exercise completely reignited my love for sport. Those moments reminded me how powerful movement can be for confidence, motivation and wellbeing.
“SHINE gives people activities to look forward to in heavy times, and that sense of hope and normality makes a real difference.”
Tamlyn Cummings works in CNTW’s older people’s services. She has chosen to run for SHINE because she’s passionate about raising awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health.
“I am particularly passionate about tackling ageism and improving mental health care and treatment for older people living with dementia,” she said.
“I’m feeling nervous but also excited. This is my first time running the Great North Run so it’s definitely out of my comfort zone.”
Jo Piplica and Louise Prentice work in the Trust’s Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) team.
They are raising money for SHINE to help continue the Voyage to Recovery, a sailing trip run by the Cirdan Sailing Trust which supports people to access adventure by living and working on a sailing boat.
The project aims to support people recovering from mental health difficulties by providing an alternative environment for them to learn new skills, grow in confidence and build relationships.
Funding from SHINE has helped make these trips possible and Jo and Louise hope to raise enough for the trip to continue for years to come.
The pair said: “We have both been fortunate enough to go on the voyage and have witnessed first-hand the life-changing impact it has on patients.”
It will be a big challenge as they both say they hate running. Jo did the Great North Run once before and vowed to never run it again!
Ailsa Miller, Patients Finance and Cashiers Manager, said: “I want to wish all our runners the best of luck with this year’s run.
“Each year we have people running to raise funds for our Charity and their passion and commitment is amazing. The monies they raise benefit all service users across the footprint of our Trust and enhance their journey to recovery.”