A York mum is preparing to complete this Sunday’s Yorkshire 10-mile just six months after starting running, thanks to support from City of York Council’s health trainer service.
Kirsty Catterson, a domestic assistant at York Hospital’s maternity department, contacted the team back in March on the advice of her GP, when she fell into a low mood after the death of a close friend.
She was coming up to her 50th birthday and wanted to get fitter and feel better about herself.
York Health Trainers provide free regular one-to-one support sessions and Kirsty’s health trainer, Scott Kay, helped her to make healthier eating choices and encouraged her idea of setting herself a goal to start running. He checked in on her progress and provided ongoing support in sessions held at the Avenues Family Hub in Tang Hall.
Within weeks Kirsty had started a “couch to 5K” routine and then began running up the banks of the Ouse from Skeldergate Bridge to Millennium Bridge and back again every day. In August, she ran the York 10K - the day after her 50th birthday. Now she is preparing to do the Run for All Yorkshire 10-mile run this Sunday (19 October).
Kirsty, a mum of three from the Hull Road area, said: “When the health trainer got in touch with me it was the best thing ever. I started my couch to 5K in March, from seeing my York Health Trainer, and then I did my 10K at the beginning of August, which was the day after my 50th birthday.
Kirsty said:
“I feel more positive and everyone at work can tell that I’ve been running. They say there’s an aura around me now!”
“I think if I have tasks then I’ll keep the fitness going, but it is good for my mental health as well, it’s helped massively. I think my friend would be happy – and I’m doing it for her as well.”
Councillor Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said:
“I would like to congratulate Kirsty and wish her luck for Sunday! I am delighted that so many health trainer clients like her feel better physically and mentally thanks to the team’s support.
“Our health trainers treat every client as an individual, giving them personalised advice, and encouraging and supporting them to make positive changes to their lifestyle. Their work is a huge part of our aim to make York a healthier city for all.”
Watch York runner Kirsty talk about support from York Health Trainers:
- York Health Trainers offer free one-to-one support to York residents with healthy eating and lifestyle advice, stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake. Support is friendly, informal and you can refer yourself at: www.york.gov.uk/HealthTrainers, phone 01904 553377 or email healthtrainers@york.gov.uk.
- Read clients’ stories at Your health stories – City of York Council.