Our Reception Manager , Rachel Menzies is not a keen runner.  She is fit – she goes climbing, but she doesn’t run. Well she didn’t run until she decided to take on the challenge of the Leeds Half Marathon. The race is on Sunday 13^thMay and so far Rachel has managed to run 10 miles. Just to be clear the half marathon is just over 13 miles!

I interviewed Rachel for this blog – here’s what she said….

Rachel after a training run

Rachel’s thoughts

Q: You say that you don’t like running so why did you enter the Leeds Half Marathon?

A: I’ve worked at Phoenix Health and Wellbeing since last August. Every day I see how powerful the support that we offer is.  I wanted to do something to raise funds so more people who have chronic health issues could be supported.

Q: That sounds really worthy but why the Leeds Half Marathon when you don’t like running?

A: Well it came up in conversation at work one day and seemed like a good idea when it was 7 months away. Now it’s less than 7 days away I’m not so sure!

Q: Have you had to do training for the run or were you just super fit

A: (Choking with nervous laughter) I wouldn’t say I was super fit! I’ve never enjoyed running and I’m certainly not a natural but I have managed to get up to 5 miles.

Q: 5 miles! What about the other 8?

A: (More nervous laughter) Well people tell me that the atmosphere and adrenalin on the day will carry me on.  That’s true isn’t it?

Q: So how much are you hoping to raise by doing this?

A: I’m really hopeful that I’ll get to £1000.  That’s enough to offer support to 40 people.  I’d love to run on Sunday knowing that 40 people who have chronic health issues and low incomes are going to benefit from my pain!

Go for it Rachel! We’re all very proud of you! You can sponsor Rachel by clicking here

Who Rachel is helping….

By running in the Leeds Half Marathon Rachel is helping to fund support for people like Tracey. Here’s Tracey’s storey.

“I have been dealing with chronic pain since I was a teenager I have now turned 40.  It is the combination of living with multiple health conditions that I find particularly challenging and almost overwhelming at times, yet most people think I look well, which is not unusual for autoimmune health conditions. I eat better than most, so possibly this has an effect on my appearance.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 27, which means I get neuropathic pain, muscle pain, spasm, tingling, feet pain, memory and other issues.  I am limited to how far I can walk.  I also have Schurmanns Kyphosis which is where in my upper spine some of the disks are wedge shaped rather than rectangular, this causes neck problems, headaches and tiredness link to this.

I also have two other conditions that are autoimmune in nature, causing pain, inflammation, fatigue and it goes without saying, low mood at times.

I saw Phoenix health and Wellbeing whilst I was visiting Oxford Chambers.  I asked the receptionist how I could be referred after seeing on the website that subsided treatments were available.  I asked my GP to refer me and soon after that, I made an appointment. I found this process quite straight forward.

Initially I came for reflexology and then for body massage and acupuncture. I have been coming for about 3 years or so.  I don’t come to Phoenix half as often as I would like, just because I cannot afford it. However, having subsided treatments means I can come along every few months or so.  I tend to come to Phoenix when my pain gets very bad and reserves are low, then often I make a few weekly or fortnightly appointments.

Phoenix is such a bright friendly place, I can’t help feel better just for being there.  I always feel relaxed and welcomed when coming in.

Coming to Phoenix has changed the way I feel about my pain.  A few years ago when I went for
massage, (at another place) I ended up feeling over concerned for the therapist, as she said repeatedly, that the spasticity in my back was really very bad and was clearly more than she was used to dealing with.  I cannot say I ended up feeling relaxed either!

I have never felt this way with any of the therapists at Phoenix.  Viv has been outstanding with her massage, showing sensitivity, compassion and care.  It has helped me manage pain in a much more positive way.

If I hadn’t known about Phoenix, I wouldn’t be able to access a therapy that is one of the few things helping with ongoing spasticity and pain linked to the MS.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford massage if I was unable to access Phoenix.  I do feel very grateful for this service and hope I am able to continue massage therapy for as long as it is available.”

Help us to support more people like Tracey by sponsoring Rachel’s run

Click Here

Phoenix Health and Wellbeing offer excellent massage therapies in Leeds City Centre with therapists who are fully qualified, insured and members of relevant professional bodies.

Opening times:

Monday to Thursday: 10:00 to 20:00

Friday and Saturday: 11:00 to 16:00

Sunday closed.

Phoenix Health & Wellbeing is a Charity. When you come to us for a treatment you will be helping us to support people who have chronic health issue and low income.  We use the proceeds of your treatment to subsidise those who would not otherwise be able to access our therapies. Roughly £3 to every £10 spent with us will go to help others.