By Victoria Hassett (Brooke Communications Officer)
16 May 2011

Among the thousands of runners gathered at Regent’s Park, London for the annual Doitforcharity 5km Super Hero Run, you couldn’t fail to notice Eve, the Brooke’s Community Fundraising Administrator and myself, the Brooke’s Communications Officer, parting crowds of superheroes, as we trotted along in inflatable donkey costumes.

It is a rite of passage for new members of staff at the Brooke, to take part in either the Doitforcharity Santa Run, held in December or the Super Hero Fun Run. Having begun working at the Brooke just under a year ago, my moment to slip on a pair of running shoes had arrived.

Having suffered from asthma since a child, the run was a personal challenge, as well as being a great opportunity to raise money for the Brooke’s vital work overseas.

I begun training for the run over three months ago, initially I could run for just a few minutes before becoming breathless but slowly and surely I built-up my fitness and was able to control my breath more effectively. By race day I was raring to show just how far I had come.

At 10am on Sunday 15 May, along with three fellow Brooke colleagues and five Brooke supporters, we took to the start line, flanked by Supermen, Batmen and Wonder Women. The claxon sounded and the superheroes were off.

Dear inflatable donkey was a little troublesome along the route but the crowds certainly loved him and I was cheered all the way by bemused spectators and gleeful children. My donkey was even the object of a small dog’s affection that chased me at least half of the distance.

Finally with the finish in sight, I broke into a gallop and made it across the finish line in a respectable 32 minutes. I couldn’t be prouder of myself.

I would urge everyone to consider stepping outside their comfort zone and taking on a challenge. Whether the motivation is for personal development or raising money for a favourite charity, there are times when you will doubt yourself and wish you had never agreed to partake, but the sense of achievement you feel when you make it across the finish line is unrivalled.

Now, any ideas for my next challenge?

Check out the rest of photos from the fun run or find out more about our other running events.