Becca’s ‘marathon madness’
Becca completed two marathons over two weekends in support of survivors, overcoming tendonitis and more to smash the challenge and raise £1,300 for survivors.
Meet Becca Cranfield from Southport. Becca works as the Director of Athena Stonecare, and she’s also a keen runner.
Up for a (huge) challenge this Spring and inspired to support Ella’s, Becca took on not one but TWO marathons…and over two consecutive weekends. In her own words, it was ‘marathon madness!’
Women supporting women
‘This is about me doing something for other women,’ Becca told us just before the first run. ‘When you realise that you are not alone, you share the strength to make it through the day, to build yourself up and flourish.’
‘I’ve been lucky throughout my life and career to have been supported, mentored and inspired by some incredible women. I know that I’m only here today because of others that have helped me.’
Becca first came across Ella’s through an event that she hosted for women in property and interiors, and has been a champion of our work ever since.
‘I’ve been supported by my fellow business women through some dark and tough times. I’m grateful for each of these women and feel lucky to have met them,’ says Becca. ‘We’ve supported Ella’s through our events and this is my opportunity to really give back. Not just to support the women that Ella’s helps, but to say thank you to everyone who has been there for me too.’
Pushing through
The Brighton Marathon was the first of Becca’s two marathons, and her first official marathon ever, and she was struck with severe tendinitis halfway through. Despite this she finished with an incredible time of 3 hours 35 minutes.
‘I was in a unique position to be able to run this marathon, at this moment, with these people. So I just leaned into the spirit of the occasion and made my way through [miles] 17-26 on a high of life (and a LOT of jelly babies...),’ says Becca.
She then had just six days to rest and get the pain under control before the Manchester Marathon the following weekend.
‘I love running. And I stupidly thought this would mean that two marathons would be easy. Just a lot more of what I like to do,’ Becca continues. ‘However, there were plenty of moments both in training and across the two weekends that I really hated running.’
With a lot of grit and determination, Becca completed the challenge. And with the support of friends, family and work contacts, Becca’s fundraising efforts exceeded all expectations with more than £1,300 raised. Every pound will help unlock freedom among women who’ve survived trafficking and exploitation, and we are so grateful.
“Raising awareness of Ella’s will help survivors’ stories be heard, and by supporting the cause we can help to transform their lives too.”
We’re so proud of Becca and her accomplishments, THANK YOU!
Becca’s fundraising page will remain open for a little longer. If you’d like to sponsor her post-race, you can visit her JustGiving page. And if you’re inspired to take on a challenge of your own for Ella’s, we’d love to hear all about it and support you however we can.
Photos: Becca Cranfield
