Introducing our London Marathon Runner

We are very pleased to announce that YWCS has selected a runner for our coveted spot in the London Marathon on Sunday, April 27, 2025!

We’ll be sharing Diane’s training journey with you in the run up to the marathon in April and hope that you’ll be inspired by her journey and commitment to helping women in York.

Diane’s journey into running began as a personal quest for fitness and fulfilment. What started as a casual commitment quickly transformed into a lifelong passion, fueled by the camaraderie and encouragement of the Run York community. With their support, Diane went from completing her first 10k to conquering the Edinburgh Marathon—and she hasn’t stopped since.

Now, with five marathons under her belt and countless stories of perseverance and friendship, Diane is taking on her next challenge - running the London Marathon in support of York Women’s Counselling Service (YWCS). Inspired by the resilience of women she has met and moved by their experiences, Diane is channelling her love for running into a mission to raise funds and awareness for YWCS. Her story is a testament to the power of community, determination, and compassion.

My reasons to start running were originally to get fit and to find something for me as my children were independent and my friend Sue had asked me to give it a go. I’ve never looked back.

I started running with Run York ( 2014 ish) I met the most warm, friendly and welcoming supportive group, I did Leeds 10k and York 10k and then the Great North run and the first Christmas meal the group were talking about marathons and I said ooh! I’d love to do a marathon by the time I am 50 and they all said you can do it now why wait till your 50, they made me believe.

My first marathon was in Edinburgh and Val and Sally got me across the finish line when I was struggling and I was hooked.

Sally and I have run 6 marathons together and the last one I had a tummy bug the Friday before the run, Sally supported me all the way round, as I really struggled, the most amazing supportive woman to be with on a run and a great true friend.

I have been lucky to have run in some fantastic places and also listened to people's stories on the start lines like the Great North Run  and supported other runners to the finish line  and been supported by amazing friends and family whilst doing the running that I love.

I recently met two most beautiful women and they told me a little about their experience of  traumatic relationships in their lives and I admired their strength in how they had come out of them and was shocked at some of the responses others had shown towards them.

It was around that time that the opportunity came to apply to run on York Women’s counselling behalf and raise funds to help Women and I was lucky to be given an opportunity to run on your behalf. I love people, animals and being outdoors, the Marathon ticks two of these boxes and I work in Customer Support for a Veterinary diagnostic Lab, so all's good.

I come from Liverpool and have a strong  supportive family. We all drive each other a little crazy at times, but without a doubt, they would always be there to support me and believe in me.

This also works for sports too, my running family will help me with my training and I hope that whatever I raise will work towards helping women get the help they need to trust and believe in the support and kindness of others and themselves. I know no matter how hard the run is, it will be nothing in comparison to how tough it has been for the women  you’re all helping and this will get me to the finish line.

Diane , who is fundraising for YWCS by running the London Marathon is shown running through a park with her dog. 

You can find Diane’s fundraising page for YWCS below. Thank you for your support!