Lucy's remarkable running journey leads to Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile challenge

Lucy first started running with a simple goal in mind: to improve her fitness. What she didn't realise at the time was just how much the journey ahead would transform her life.

At the end of 2023, Lucy was at her heaviest weight and described herself as "the definition of unfit". Determined to make a change, she completely overhauled her lifestyle, improving her diet and focusing on becoming more active.

Exercise didn't come naturally at first. In fact, Lucy admits it was something she struggled with and didn't particularly enjoy. To ease herself into regular activity, she started swimming, which helped her build confidence and improve her fitness.

After losing a couple of stone and finding swimming less challenging, Lucy decided to push herself further by signing up for Couch to 5K.

To her surprise, she loved it.

Not only did she discover a passion for running, but she also realised she was capable of far more than she had ever given herself credit for.

Looking for her first challenge, Lucy entered a local 5K charity race in aid of Cancer Research UK, a cause that was especially close to her heart following her dad's prostate cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, an injury prevented her from taking part, but rather than letting the setback derail her progress, she continued training and working towards new goals.

Her perseverance paid off when she completed a 10K in aid of SANDS in October 2025.

Crossing the finish line brought a new sense of confidence.

"I realised it wasn't anywhere near as difficult as I'd expected," said Lucy. "That's when I started thinking about what I could do next."

Inspired by what she had achieved, Lucy and a friend signed up for the Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile, taking on her biggest running challenge to date.

Reflecting on her journey, Lucy said: "Running has changed me both mentally and physically. The feeling I get after a run gives me such a positive mental boost and I'm now the fittest I've ever been."

Since beginning her fitness journey, Lucy has lost an incredible seven stone, something she once never thought possible and an achievement she is immensely proud of.

Alongside improving her own health and wellbeing, Lucy has also used running as an opportunity to support causes that are meaningful to her. This time, she is fundraising for Bliss, the UK's leading charity for babies born premature or sick, and the families who need support during neonatal care.

As a midwife working in West Yorkshire, Lucy has seen first-hand the difference that organisations such as Bliss can make. The charity's work became even more meaningful to her in 2024 when close friends welcomed their son prematurely and he spent several weeks receiving specialist care in a neonatal unit.

Thankfully, thanks to the expertise and support they received, he is now a happy, healthy little boy approaching his second birthday.

Seeing the challenges the family faced during that time reinforced just how important neonatal services and support networks are for families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Now, as she prepares to take on the Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile, Lucy hopes to celebrate how far she has come while raising vital funds for a cause that means so much to her.

She said: "This 10 miles is about much more than just running. It's a chance to challenge myself, celebrate how far I've come and raise money for a charity that makes such a huge difference to families when they need it most."