FRIENDS Lesley Brosnan and Sue Briffa may have started out as Couch to 5k running novices but now they can proudly say they’ve completed a half marathon as part of our Home Run challenge.
“We didn’t run at all until a couple of years ago when we started the Couch to 5k programme and we sort of went on from there,” says retired Civil Servant Lesley, who lives in Ecclesall.
“The Home Run distance of 13 miles is more than double the distance we have ever done before but it was for a great cause and it was really a good experience.”
Lesley signed up for the challenge because both her mum and her father-in-law were St Luke’s patients.
“Over the years I have done various things for St Luke’s, like throwing myself out of an aeroplane,” she said.
“In lockdown we haven’t been able to do very much so when I saw the Home Run being advertised I thought I’d do it.
“Sue’s a nurse who has been working throughout the pandemic so running also really helped take her mind off work.”
The friends chose a route that started from the cricket pitch at Millhouses Park and then took them out towards Totley and even up Little Common Lane past St Luke's before heading back to the start point.
And by the time they had finished - cheered along the way and supported by family and friends - they had raised £1,100 for St Luke’s.
“It was a beautiful day to be running so we couldn’t have chosen better,” said Lesley.
“We’re no spring chickens but when we’d finished and had something to eat and drink we felt great!”
The St Luke’s Home Run continues to the end of March and there is still time to sign up and take part.
For full details and to register simply visit Home Run