TEES Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) director of strategy and delivery Diane Murphy has completed her first ever marathon to help raise money for the YMCA.
Diane completed the 26.2 mile challenge on October 4 by running and walking around Darlington in a time of six hours and 55 minutes.
She joined more than 45,000 runners across world in the 2020 virtual London Marathon after the 40th race was forced to change its format due to Covid-19.
“I took up running three years ago in my late 50’s as I needed to improve my health and fitness,” said Diane.
“I completed the Couch to 5k programme on my own before joining a running group and as someone who enjoys a challenge I progressed to a few half marathons and this year succumbed to the lure of the marathon.
“I live a fortunate life, but am conscious that so many other people don’t, and often because of problems not of their own making – many young people get far from the best start in life – the YMCA has a big presence in Tees Valley and they offer support to some of our communities’ most vulnerable young adults and families through mental health support, accommodation, education and training.”
After setting a target of raising £2,000 for the charity, Diane has already raised in excess of £2,500.
“Tees Valley YMCA will directly receive a proportion of the funds I raise,” added Diane.
“Locally they provide vital services to young people including, in Darlington, the provision of 31 fully supported housing units with on-site counsellors, mental health support and access to training.
“For some young people every day is a marathon but hopefully with continued donations and support, the YMCA can continue to work to change that.”
You can still donate to Diane’s Just Giving page at:
To find out more about the wider benefits of running and how you can kick-start your own health go to: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/