Vanessa Buckle

Vanessa is an ordinary woman who is an inspiration to me and so many others. This year she ran 10 marathons in 10 days - few men or women have ever achieved this. But she`s only been running for three years! In 2008, having never run further than the school cross country course outdoors, or a 10k on a treadmill, she entered the London Marathon to raise money in memory of her mum who died unexpectedly the previous year. Since then she has continued to run and raise money in an attempt to bring some good out of her profound sense of loss. Through her 10 in 10 marathon at Windermere she will have raised over £5000 for Brathay Trust, a charity that works with the most disadvantaged young people, many of whom have suffered neglect or abuse. Vanessa is a member of Pickering Running Club, and her dedication to her training once she decided on her goal has been an inspiration to all of us. Come rain, shine or snow, in the early hours or in pitch darkness, Vanessa has been out day after day, on the moors and country lanes, building up her miles till she was running 20 a day. From Day 1 of the actual 10 in 10, she got painful blisters, and from day 5 she had problems with her knees. In spite of this, she kept going, achieving her final marathon in just over 4 1/2 hours. Vanessa has shown us all that, once you set yourself a goal, whatever it is, you can achieve it if you believe in yourself and remain committed to it. I believe she would be a very worthy Torchbearer.