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Felicity gears up for marathon challenge

07 Feb 2020

Felicity Wicks, Student Recruitment and Widening Participation Officer in the Directorate of Student Experience, is running the London Marathon in April to raise funds for Diabetes UK

Felicity Wicks

Felicity would love donations from any colleagues who would like to support her, or those who have been touched by the condition.

Felicity said: “I really am the last person who thought they would sign up for a marathon – I used to think people who did it were crazy! It all started when some of my colleagues encouraged me to sign up to do the Manchester 10K as part of the Purple Wave in 2017. I honestly didn’t think I would be able to run 10K, but I did, and it’s all snowballed from there…

"I just love running, both in terms of physical fitness as well as the wellbeing and mental health side of things. I always say to people who say they could never run more than a quick jog round the block that I said once said that too – all you need to do is put on your running shoes and get started!”

Felicity agrees that the Purple Wave is a great initiative to get people running, but it’s important to remember that not everyone who does it will end up running a marathon. There are plenty of ways for staff to get involved at all levels. You could try the Staff / PG running groups led by trained leaders, catering for all groups including beginners and women only. Or even go for it and sign up for the Purple Wave events! 

Felicity would be very grateful for any donations to her JustGiving page. Says Felicity: “I am running for Diabetes UK because my dad has lived with Type 1 for 21 years, so I know first-hand the complications of managing this condition. Diabetes affects 1 in 15 people in the UK and accounts for 10% of the entire NHS budget – so every penny I can raise to support people with diabetes helps.”