Latest news with #ChesterHalfMarathon
Leader Live
27-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Specsavers' employee ran for North East Wales Mind
Dispensing optician at Specsavers Flint, Dawn Dale raised £650 for North East Wales Mind after completing the recent Chester Half Marathon. Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week (Mat 12-18), the 13-mile run took Dawn one hour and 52 minutes, raising vital funds for the charity, which supports people living with mental health challenges across Flintshire and Wrexham. Out of 189 runners in the over-50's category, Dawn placed 14th. Read more: North Wales riding centre 'overwhelmed' as pledge saves them from closure Colleagues at Specsavers Flint were there to cheer Dawn on along the route and supported her fundraising efforts in the lead-up to the race day. A store bake sale raised more than £260, helping her surpass her fundraising target of £500 weeks ahead of the event. Having faced her own mental health challenges, Dawn says running has played a big part in her journey towards recovery following a particularly difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more: Flint store to launch a new concept in pre-loved fashion She said: "Running became a real turning point for me. It's something that helps me feel grounded and gives me a sense of purpose. Taking on this half marathon felt like a way to give something back and to raise awareness that support is out there for anyone who's struggling." Specsavers Flint's retail director, Holly Roberts, added: "We're all incredibly proud of Dawn, both for the physical feat of completing the marathon and for her courage in sharing her story. "She's inspired our whole team and brought the store together for a cause that affects so many. We're grateful to everyone in the community who donated or came by the store to support her."
Leader Live
26-04-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Specsavers' employee to run in aid of North East Wales Mind
Dispensing optician, Dawn Dale, from Specsavers Flint, is calling for donations for North East Wales Mind as she prepares to take on the Chester Half Marathon during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12-18). Dawn is set to take on the 13-mile race to raise funds for the charity, which provides much-needed support to people living with mental health challenges across Flintshire and Wrexham. Read more: Runners rally at Alyn Waters for Nightingale House Hospice event Having faced her own mental health challenges, Dawn says running has played a big part in her journey towards recovery following a particularly difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic. She says: "That time in my life was extremely tough and I needed to take some time away from work to focus on getting better. With the right support - including counselling and medication - I slowly started to feel more like myself again. "Running became a real turning point for me. It's something that helps me feel grounded and gives me a sense of purpose. Taking on this half marathon feels like a way to give something back and to raise awareness that support is out there for anyone who's struggling." Read more: This isn't the first charity challenge Dawn has taken on. Alongside her colleagues at Specsavers Flint, she previously completed a group parachute jump, raising £2,000 for the Royal National Institute of Blind People. Now, she's aiming to raise £500 to support North East Wales Mind's vital work. With £300 already donated to her JustGiving page, her colleagues are helping her reach the finish line by hosting a bake sale in store between 8.45am-5.30pm on Monday, April 28. Specsavers Flint's retail director, Holly Roberts, said: "We're incredibly proud of Dawn - not only for taking on this challenge, but for speaking so openly about her journey. Her strength is inspiring and we're looking forward to supporting her with a bake sale in store and also at the finish line. We'd love the local community to come along and get involved. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will make a huge difference.' People unable to attend the bake sale can help Dawn reach her £500 goal by donating via her JustGiving page:
