A mum from Stockport will be running the Manchester 10k next month to raise money for the hospice which looks after her son.
Tina Nesbitt will run the big race on May 22 despite only taking up running during the pandemic. Tina took to running by using the Couch to 5k app and found the sport to be excellent for her mental health during the lockdowns.
Now, she will be running the race to raise money for Francis House Children’s Hospice, which cares for her seven-year-old son, Jack. Tina describes the hospice as like a ‘second home’ to her son and wanted to give something back for all of the care and support they have provided.
READ MORE: Find out what's new at this year's Great Manchester Run
Jack was diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome, an incurable disease that affects his immune system. And Tina said the help she received at Francis House was invaluable.
She said: “Francis House have stepped in when we really need them - if we're at a point where we're desperate for a break they've really helped us to feel like a family again. It's somewhere where you can come and remember what it's like to be a mum or a dad or a parent, rather than a nurse doing medical interventions."
Speaking about Jack's condition, Tina said: “Jack’s pretty much like a newborn baby - he can't hold his head up and he doesn't talk. He is fed by a tube, but he's got an amazing smile and quite a wicked sense of humour.”
Talking about her plans to run the 10k, Tina admits she is not particularly active, but that running helps her feel better.
“I've never been one to actively exercise or run, but there is just something about getting out in the fresh air and moving that clears your mind and makes you feel better. The opportunity to help raise awareness and funds for charity is a great motivation and can really make a difference.
She added: “I won’t break any records and have never run a 10k race before. I'm known more for my cake decorating skills rather than running but I really want to push myself.
“It’ll definitely be a challenge. After starting the couch to 5K last year this seemed to be the next logical goal. I've learnt that there's not much point in waiting for the right time, the best time is now.”
Based in Didsbury, Francis House Children’s Hospice provides care to children and young people with life-limiting conditions and supports more than 550 families.
The facilities at the hospice include multisensory rooms, cinema and computer rooms and fourteen bedrooms equipped with hoists, air mattresses and PlayStations providing both a fun and comfortable experience for the children and young people.
For more information, to run the 10k or half marathon on behalf of the Francis House Children’s Hospice, or to donate to Tina’s fundraising effort, please click here to visit the Francis House website.
