Here's how you can get fit with a nine-week Couch to 5k plan - and raise money for Trinity Hospice at the same time

When Rebecca Ferguson began floating the idea of a running challenge to her family and friends, she knew if she told too many people she’d have to stick it out.

The 35-year-old, from Bispham, has begun Trinity Hospice’s Couch to 5K programme.

Rebecca said: “I decided that this year I needed to do something to change my habits.

“Thirty-five-years-old and two pregnancies has put a toll on my body, and, although I haven’t particularly tried to lose weight, I’m not happy with how I look.

“My mind-set has always been that at the end of the day, after a day’s work and then cooking and putting the kids to bed, by 8pm I’m on the sofa watching the television and don’t have the

energy at that point to go out to a gym class.

“But towards the end of last year I realised I need to snap out of that mind-set – surely one day a week I could go to a class or something, and feel good about making a small change.”

Rebecca works for Trinity Hospice on Low Moor Road in Bispham, so it seemed like the right time to get fit and raise money when the charity launched its Couch to 5K programme.

Rebecca, who has a four-year-old son called Logan and a one-year-old daughter, Imogen, added: “I mentioned to my family and some of my colleagues that I was thinking of taking part,

and in the end told too many people that I knew I’d have to do it.

“I’m doing updates of my journey to help encourage others who are taking part at the same time.

“By agreeing to document my journey, I felt it would encourage me to complete the challenge as too many people would know if I dropped out.

“I haven’t ever been a fan of running, though I have tried in the past.

“I’m not expecting to suddenly realise I love running - I really do hate it so much.

“But I need to change my attitude and take some guilt-free ‘me time’.

“I need to kick myself off the sofa and this gives me a really good reason to do so.

“I set up a JustGiving page in the hope that some of my close friends and family would donate a small amount. I set a low target as to some, running 5k without stopping is just part of

routine exercise and there are people doing far greater things for charity.

“But the generosity of my friends and family has been absolutely amazing.

“I hit my target in 24 hours! So I increased it to £250 after my run at the weekend.

“It is for an amazing charity; it is so important to our community.

“I get to see first-hand Trinity’s vital work, and the impact it has not only on all who need it, but their loved ones as well.

“Covid has had such an impact on everyone, not least Trinity which is facing a £1.5m fundraising shortfall.”

People can sign up to Trinity’s Couch to 5K programme up until the end of March. The entry pack includes a nine week training plan, sponsor form, multi-purpose headband, and virtual

challenge medal.

You can sign up here: https://www.trinityhospice.co.uk/our-events/detail/virtual-couch-to-5k/

And to donate to Rebecca’s fundraising, visit https://justgiving.com/fundraising/beckyferguson

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