Rita Vanes

Rita set up Dudley Ladies running club back in 2002 and has helped countless ladies of all abilities and backgrounds to actualise their running potential. She offers her time and support freely, three times a week, tirelessly, come rain or shine. But the club is about so much more than running. It gives friendship, self esteem and a sense community to any lady who can pluck up the courage to walk through the doors of the school hall where we meet. She offers support and encouragement to all equally, from marathon and endurance runners who are about to embark on a race, to the absolute beginners nervously run-walk-running a short local route. She and husband, Phil, actively encourage a no-cliques friendly group who return a smile with a smile and it keeps us coming back for more, nothing being more motivating than a smile returned. She rallies the group for individuals in need, be it after a tsunami, bereavement or prodigal runner returned; spreading the word on charity events and sponsorship requests. I don't know if Rita knows how much she has done for myself and for others but she has asked nothing in return. Never a grumble, she patiently awaits with a whistle for the gossip to subside each evening, to organise, announce and send us on our merry way. So please make us all proud and send Rita on her merry way with a blow of a whistle and a torch in her hand, for Dudley Ladies, for all ladies who run.