These faces say it all!
Frailty Practitioner Abi Hooper
Occupational Therapist Lydia Helyer
Frailty Practitioner Abi Hooper and Occupational Therapist Lydia Helyer were among 13000 runners who completed the London Landmarks half marathon. They ran it to raise money for the Livewell Foundation. The charity gives out grants to programmes that will have a positive effect on people living in and around Plymouth.
Lydia admitted she wasn’t a runner before signing up but wanted to set herself a challenge to support projects which align with occupational therapy such as improving health and wellbeing and reducing social isolation.
She completed the 13-mile route in 3 hours, 23 minutes. She said: “It was one of the toughest things I have ever done, but having my family cheering me on really helped me to get to the finish line.”
Lydia with her family at the finish line
She was supported by her daughter Annabelle and husband Charlie who also works for Livewell Southwest as a Mental Health Horticultural Instructor. Lydia remembers: “Annabelle took her cheerleader duties very seriously! She wore her Livewell Foundation vest, had face glitter and pom poms.
“The 10 to 12 miles were the worst but once I could see the finish line, that was definitely the best bit of the half marathon!”
On Sunday 6 April, the race started near Downing Street and passed through sites such as St. Pauls Cathedral and the Tower of London before ending at Trafalgar Square.
Abi had had the race on her bucket list for years and she ran it in 2 hours, 9 minutes. She said: “It was truly an unforgettable experience! I absolutely loved every moment of it. The support throughout the race was phenomenal. It really kept me going, especially during the tougher moments.
“Without a doubt, the best part was seeing my family along the course. Being able to high-five my daughters was such a special moment—it really gave me an extra boost. Of course, crossing the finish line was the ultimate high!
“Running the Landmarks Half Marathon for the Livewell Foundation was such a rewarding journey. It felt amazing to be part of something bigger, and I’m already looking forward to the next challenge. I would absolutely recommend this event to anyone considering it – put it on your bucket list!”
The Livewell Foundation was founded by Livewell Southwest as part of its commitment as a social enterprise. It gives out grants of between £500 and £15,000 to help reduce social isolation and promote schemes which help to improve health and wellbeing.
Projects which have benefited already include
- Farms for City Children (charity enabling children from disadvantaged communities to experience the adventure of being on a farm in the countryside. A small grant paid for a group of children from Plymouth to take part.
- Saltstone Caring (charity which promotes the independence and physical and mental wellbeing of older, isolated or vulnerable people living in Kingsbridge, Salcombe or the surrounding area.)
- The Zone (charity which provides free and confidential support to young people on housing, sexual health and mental health. It also offers counselling for those who have been victims of crime.)
You can support Lydia here https://www.justgiving.com/page/lydia-helyer-1732032813607?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
You can support Abi here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/abihooper?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=EM
If you want to find out more about the Livewell Foundation and how you can support the charity, please visit www.livewellfoundation.org.uk
