The Story Of NSPCC Runner Sarah Witcombe-Hayes
At first, Sarah was nervous about the idea of taking on her first ever half marathon. But, after a few weeks of healthy peer pressure and lots of assurances that she could walk as much as she wanted, she agreed to join a team with her friends and take on the Cardiff Half with #TeamNSPCC!
Sarah has done lots of 5k and 10k races, but picks out the Cardiff Half as one of her favourites, as the support all along the course was incredible. She remembers the deafening noise of cheering, clapping and people calling out her name as she made it to the finish line. “I had completely run out of steam by then, but the encouragement from the crowd made me sprint the final stretch. I was an emotional wreck, crying my eyes out as I crossed the finish line. I was so overwhelmed by the support and the pride I felt at what I had achieved.
“Having worked at the NSPCC for four years at that point, I was proud to be running for #TeamNSPCC. I knew what amazing work the organisation does to help children who have been abused to rebuild their lives, protect those at risk, and find the best ways of preventing abuse from ever happening. I wanted to set myself a challenge of raising as much as I could to help support the vital work the NSPCC does.”
Sarah had some great advice for those thinking of taking on this amazing challenge: “Don’t hesitate. Just jump in and do it. Running the Cardiff Half on behalf of the NSPCC was undoubtedly one of the best, toughest and most rewarding experiences of my life.”
We’re all so proud of Sarah, and honoured that she chose to do her first ever half marathon with the NSPCC. Sarah, your support will help us on our mission to protect children and prevent abuse. On behalf of all the children we help, thank you for taking on this challenge and congratulations – you did it!
Want to join Sarah and run for Team NSPCC? Find out more here.
