Hibberts employee tackles Ultra Marathon for charity

An employee at Nantwich firm Hibberts Solicitors is tackling one of the toughest challenges to help raise money for North Staffs MIND.

Partner & Head of Commercial Carolyn Brooksbank is in training to prepare for an ‘Ultra Marathon’.

Carolyn can pick anywhere to start and her own route, at midday.

She will then have 24 hours to reach the central finish line.

She will compete against other runners, but she won’t know where they’re starting from until the link goes live at midday.

The further away she starts, the higher she ranks, as long as she finishes in time!

Carolyn is competing alongside her friend, Natasha Ashby, who she met through Canicross, which is cross country running with dogs.

Carolyn’s own dog, Holly is helping her train, although she won’t be running with her in the actual event.

She is aiming to run around 45 miles, but is yet to pick her starting point and route.

If she completes the distance within the time, she’ll earn a silver medal.

Carolyn said: “I decided to tie it in with Red January and support Mind because it’s a worthwhile charity.

“Mental illness is something which can affect anyone from any walk of life and I don’t think those who suffer necessarily receive the same level of support as those who suffer from physical illness.

“Mental illness can have a profound effect on everyday life and can detrimentally impact upon a person’s quality of life.

“I think the work being done by Mind is essential in recognising peo-ple do need more support when it comes to mental illness.”

Carolyn’s training regime is tough.

She goes spinning twice a week before/after work and once it starts getting lighter, she’ll do more running midweek.

She also does strength training once or twice a week and longer distances at the weekends.

She’s currently doing 9/10 mile runs at the weekend plus her usual canicross social runs which are usually 5-6 miles.

Hibberts staff took part in ‘Red January’ supporting North Staffs Mind, with 24 of the Hibberts team using a variety of activities to get them moving including local park runs, aqua fit, the Stafford 10k run, spin classes, lunch time walks, yoga, run-ning, body pump and even swapping the car and walking to work.

Carolyn’s Justgiving page is www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carolyn-brooksbank