Belinda Neild suffered a major injury within the first 100 meters of a 100-mile ultramarathon but went on to complete the challenge, raising over £12,300 for Moya Cole Hospice. Her husband Stephen also took part in the ultramarathon.
Injury Forces Change of Plans
Belinda had initially intended to run the entire length of the 100 miles, aiming to complete the challenge in 24 hours, but due to her injury she had to walk the majority of the route. It took her 30 hours to complete, taking a short 20-minute nap in a field along the Scottish coast after mile 70.
At each checkpoint, Belinda was advised to stop the challenge by race officials who were, according to Belinda, 'incredible' to her, helping monitor and see to her injury along the way.
Determination to Finish
"I have shouted about this challenge everywhere I've gone over the last year," Belinda said. "I've raised so much money, so many people were behind me. I couldn't quit; the word isn't in my vocabulary."
Belinda could pay no heed to the green Scottish hills and rugged coastline as she traversed her challenge; she was too focused on her injury, counting down mile after mile. "The injury got worse and worse as I carried on. At first, walking was alright, but it got progressively worse in the later miles."
Personal Motivation
"I lost my dad at Christmas time and as heartbreaking as it is, I kept telling myself that he would get me through this. He knew before he died that I was doing this run, I had to finish it for him," she said. Belinda eventually crossed the finish line at Edinburgh Castle over a day and six hours after starting. She hobbled towards the finish on running poles as a crutch.
"I did it for my dad and I did it for my mum who experienced the care of Moya Cole Hospice over a decade ago."
Medical Attention After Finish
She had a moment's rest, and a chance to eat some food and was seen to by medics at the finish line who told her she would need to go to hospital. "I refused to go; I was tired and needed sleep. I put ice on it and went to sleep. It was just as bad in the morning. I got up, got the train and headed straight to Salford Royal Hospital."
"Even though it is a horrific injury to get, I think I would do another 100-mile marathon. I trained to run this marathon, and I'm gutted I wasn't able to."
Fundraising Milestone
Belinda is an avid runner; she has taken part in marathons, half marathons, 10ks, the Great Manchester Run, raising thousands of pounds for Moya Cole Hospice. She set herself a target this year to reach a cumulative £50,000 by her 50th birthday in June, she managed to reach the milestone on her actual birthday, she now has a total raised of £55,000.
Due to Belinda's injury, she is likely out of action for the coming months but is already setting sights on her next challenge, running the Manchester Half Marathon in October. You can donate to Belinda's campaign by visiting her JustGiving page.
About Moya Cole Hospice
Moya Cole Hospice provides holistic care to patients with life-limiting illnesses - comprising inpatient care, day therapy and supportive outpatient services from its sites at Heald Green, Stockport and Little Hulton, Salford. The teams at the hospice also provide a range of community and outreach services to patients, including care in the place they call home via a Hospice at Home service available in Salford and Trafford, the hospice’s Community Specialist Palliative Care Team in Salford, and the homelessness palliative care service in Manchester. A 24-hour telephone advice line is available to patients, carers and healthcare professionals in Salford, Manchester, Trafford and Stockport.
