Care Assistant Nara Takes on the London Marathon for the British Red Cross Society: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
In the spirit of dedication and altruism, one of Caremark Pulborough’s exceptional Care Assistants, Nara, is gearing up for a remarkable challenge – participating in this year’s London Marathon. Her mission goes beyond personal achievement; Nara is running to raise both money and awareness for the British Red Cross Society, a charity close to her heart. Let’s delve into Nara’s inspiring journey, exploring the motivations, training routine, and the profound impact the British Red Cross Society has had on her life. To show your support and make a donation, please visit Nara’s fundraising page.
Nara Sullivan is fundraising for The British Red Cross Society (justgiving.com)
What inspired Nara to take part in the London Marathon for the British Red Cross Society?
Nara’s journey into running began when she turned fifty, seeking a positive change in her life. After conquering various races and even completing her own lockdown marathon during the pandemic, Nara set her sights on the prestigious London Marathon. Missing out on the ballot for several years, she decided to run for a charity, choosing the British Red Cross for its impactful emergency support both in the UK and worldwide. This year marks her 11th year of volunteering for the Red Cross, making the marathon a perfect union of her passion for running and helping others.
Nara gives us an insight into her training routine leading up to the run?
Balancing a full-time job with marathon training demands courage, character, dedication, and willpower. Nara’s training regimen involves a 16-week marathon plan with the Runna app, ensuring a gradual build-up of mileage and recovery time. Running four times a week, coupled with two gym sessions, Nara meticulously plans her schedule, incorporating short runs between care calls and long runs on weekends. The mental challenges of consistent training, managing nutrition, and overcoming physical strains are met with the unwavering support of her husband, who acts as her dedicated support team.
Nara explains why she chose to volunteer for the British Red Cross Society
“I have been volunteering for Red Cross for over 10 years and there are many reasons I volunteer for Red Cross. To start, there was a desire to volunteer. I somewhat realised that I had a pretty good life. I grew up in a large happy family with my loving parents. Went to university, have moved to the UK, and happily married. When I think of the state of the world, and what people go through in the grand scheme of things, I didn’t do too bad. And it was just desire to pay a little back. I just felt guilty about not being engaged, not being able to support older people or people in need in general. So I decided to volunteer”.
“I went to the library, checked the listing of all volunteering opportunities that were available in the area and I saw an advertisement that Red Cross was looking for volunteers for Independent Living Support for older people in the area. I signed up to volunteer, and never looked back. It gives me a sense of achievement as a person, helping older people against loneliness, taking them out for a coffee or shopping, chatting to them, just helping around their homes so they can stay as independent as possible in their own homes. This experience led me to work in social care and I changed my career from hotel management to a care worker at Caremark. I am truly passionate about helping people”.
“The Red Cross mission and brand is so unique. The organisation’s mission represents a kindness and service to man that truly encapsulates the meaning of life. What’s more, how can you not want to provide basic service to those need it most? The Red Cross has no border when it comes to helping people in crisis of natural disasters. A recent example, close to my heart is that the Red Cross in Mongolia has supported communities and herders affected by the extreme weather, locally known as ‘white death’ where the temperature plummet to -40 Celsius. Livestock are unable to feed through the frozen snow and freeze to death or starve. Herders can only despair as their precious animals pile up dead across the packed snow. Some animals die as they stand”.
“The herders rely on sheep, cattle, yaks, camels and horses for their income. When those animals die, families run out of food, lose their livelihoods and increasingly hard to survive. When disaster strikes, Red Cross Mongolia came to help, they have provided food for the affected vulnerable people and hay for their animals. The Mongolian Red Cross was then able to provide lifesaving support to more than 7 thousand vulnerable people across 19 provinces”.
“Mongolians are no strangers to hard winters, but the extreme snowfall, ‘white deaths’ are happening more often due to climate change and other natural factors. When disaster strikes, the first few hours are critical. Therefore Red Cross emergency funds are crucial to respond quickly and give people urgent help. Therefore I am running the London Marathon for the Red Cross to raise money. I am proud to tell people that I am running the London Marathon for Red Cross, and I am proud to volunteer for British Red Cross”.
What message does Nara hope to convey to others through her participation in the marathon?
Nara’s marathon journey carries a powerful message – running makes you feel young, and it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Her dedication to the London Marathon for the British Red Cross is a testament to the enduring spirit of kindness, service, and the belief that age should never be a barrier to achieving one’s aspirations.
How can you support Nara to make a difference?
Nara’s journey is not just about conquering a marathon; it’s a narrative of passion, purpose, and compassion. As she laces up her running shoes for the London Marathon, let’s rally behind Nara, supporting her mission to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Your contribution can play a crucial role in aiding the admirable causes she is championing.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will contribute to the broader mission of providing essential care and support through the British Red Cross Society. Let’s come together as a community to back Nara and make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Click the link to donate and be a part of this meaningful journey.
Nara Sullivan is fundraising for The British Red Cross Society (justgiving.com)