Read Vicky's Surrey Half Marathon Story

Vicky’s Surrey Half Marathon Story

Taking on a half marathon is a huge challenge for anyone. Doing it while balancing caring responsibilities, work, and family life makes it even more remarkable.

Vicky recently completed the Surrey Half Marathon to raise funds and awareness for Action for Carers Surrey. In this interview, she shares her experience of training, race day, and what running for ACS meant to her as an unpaid carer. Her story is one of determination, wellbeing, and the power of feeling supported.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your caring role?

I am a carer for my husband, and I am also mum to my son, Xander, who is a young carer. It actually took me a while to realise that I was a carer myself. During the COVID pandemic, Action for Carers Surrey helped me understand the support that is out there, both for me and for Xander. Their advice, events, and young carers activities have made a real difference to our lives.

What made you decide to run the Surrey Half Marathon for ACS, and have you done anything like this before?

I wanted to do something completely out of my comfort zone. I have never run before, so signing up for my very first half marathon was a huge challenge. ACS has been such a lifeline for our family, supporting both me and Xander, and running felt like my way of saying thank you and giving back. I was scared but excited, and when people heard what I was doing, their shock quickly turned into encouragement, which really motivated me to keep going.

What was the atmosphere like on the day?

It was amazing. Everybody was so supportive. The encouragement from staff, supporters and other runners made me feel welcomed and supported, and it genuinely kept me going. I nearly gave up at mile 9, but the cheers and encouragement helped me push through!

Was there a moment during the race that really stayed with you, or something that helped when it got tough?

The support made all the difference as people were checking in on each other, handing out jelly babies, giving high fives, and shouting encouragement. I chatted to other runners along the way, and I had lovely texts from my husband and family, which really lifted me. Knowing that so many people had sponsored me and that I was running to make them proud kept me going.

Did running give you anything extra, physically or mentally, outside of your caring role?

Running has made me feel fitter, happier, and better in myself. It gave me some real “me time” outside of my caring responsibilities. Even if I woke up feeling rough, I pushed myself, and it always made me feel better, even if I only ran for 20 minutes or half an hour. It gave me space to listen to music and switch off, helped me feel more positive, and set me up better for the day. I sometimes ran with my son, Xander, which was a fun way to do something different together and helped calm us both for the evening.

Did it feel different knowing you were running for ACS and other carers?

Yes, definitely. Running for a purpose drove me on. It made me realise that I might never be a fast runner, but running has hugely benefited my wellbeing, and it has also helped raise money and awareness for an amazing charity and for people like me. That combination meant everything to me.

Why is it important to you that ACS supports unpaid carers in Surrey?

Unpaid carers do so much, and it is often not recognised. Many people do not even realise that they are carers. We save the government a huge amount of money, yet what we do is often invisible. ACS helps people recognise their caring role and access advice, support, and reassurance that they are not alone.

Now you have completed the Surrey Half Marathon, is running something you want to keep doing and will you take on another challenge?

Yes! Being active is so important for my physical and mental health. The endorphins really kick in. You can put off running all day, but once you do it, you always feel so much better. It might be the Surrey Half Marathon again, or it might be a different event, but I would definitely take on another challenge.

What would you say to another carer who is thinking, “I could never do something like that”?

I was that person. I just did it. You put things like this off, but in a moment of madness I signed up, and I am so glad I did. If I can do it, anyone can.

How could taking on a challenge like this help carers make time for themselves?

I probably would not have started running without a challenge to push me out of my comfort zone. Having a goal made me make the time. I now have a new hobby and a real way of taking time for myself. I even ran quicker than I thought I could, which has helped build a much more positive mindset and encouraged me to keep getting active.

Why would you encourage carers, and supporters of carers, to fundraise for ACS?

Many carers do not realise that they are carers or that support exists. ACS helped me recognise my own caring role after coming into my son’s school to talk about young carers. Fundraising not only raises vital funds, but also raises awareness, so more people understand that help is available. Supporting ACS means helping carers realise they are not alone, and making sure others get the same support that my family has benefited from.

In one sentence, what did running the Surrey Half Marathon mean to you?

It meant the world to be able to support a charity close to my heart while also improving my own wellbeing at the same time.

Vicky’s story is a powerful reminder of what carers can achieve when they feel supported and find ways to make time for themselves. By taking on the Surrey Half Marathon, she has helped raise vital funds, increased awareness of unpaid caring, and shown how challenges like this can positively impact both physical and mental wellbeing.

Whether you are a carer yourself or someone who wants to support carers in Surrey, Vicky’s journey shows just how much of a difference encouragement, understanding, and community support can make.

Inspired to take on a challenge of your own? Register your interest for the 2027 Surrey Half Marathon here

We’re also excited to share a brand new fundraising event for 2026 – Run Thorpe Park on 6 September 2026. Interested? Register here.

All carer stories