1pm
Rachael is running to raise money for SignHealth.
It’s lunchtime and I’m on a run, practising for the London 10K. I’m running to raise money for SignHealth. This will be my first 10K. At first running two miles was hard but I’ve gradually built up my stamina.
As someone living with depression, I was seeking a fitness goal for my own health. I find running a healthy way for me to process my thoughts. Once you’re out there you have to keep going or you won’t get home!
I’m really pleased to be running for SignHealth. I’m in the third year of a course on theatre arts, education and deaf studies, so I’ve gained an awareness of the difficulties deaf people face when trying to access health care. What really brought it home, though, was seeing first-hand the infuriating struggles faced by my best friend, who is deaf.
I was also really affected by a television programme in which an elderly deaf man was looking for a care home. He found a home for hearing people but, because he couldn’t communicate, he was really isolated and lonely.
“I’m making my life better by helping others.”
Doing the London 10K is a great way to show my support for SignHealth. It’s a full circle: I’m making my life better by helping others.