Team WHM runs the Leeds 10k

On Sunday 15th June, a group of incredible Women's Health Matters staff, supporters and friends ran the Leeds 10k to raise funds for two of our much-loved (and currently unfunded) projects.

This wasn't just about the finish line; it was about solidarity, community, and keeping vital services going for women and girls across Leeds.

A race with a legacy

This Leeds 10k is no ordinary run. It was founded by Jane Tomlinson in 2006, during her battle with terminal cancer, after raising £1.8 million for charity. Jane knew her time was limited, so she launched the 10k to ensure her fundraising would continue, and it has.

Nineteen years later, it is now one of the city’s most beloved events. From elite athletes to first-time runners, the Leeds 10k brings people together to do something meaningful and joyful for causes they care about.

A route worth remembering

The sun shone brightly over the city, with temperatures reaching 17 degrees by late morning, a beautiful, but intense morning for our runners. The course started at the iconic Parkinson steps at the University of Leeds. It wound through Hyde Park, Headingley and up to Meanwood Road, taking in the sights of Headingley Stadium, Meanwood Beck and Leeds Arena before finishing on The Headrow.

Crowds came out in force, waving signs and cheering loudly, keeping spirits high. It was hot, but the energy and support helped our runners through.

Behind the scenes: A team that trained together

The WHM team didn’t just show up on the day; they have been preparing for months.

Every Wednesday afternoon, staff met up to train together as part of their wellbeing time, encouraging and motivating each other as they built up their stamina. Outside of this, many continued their training individually, squeezing in early morning runs, post-work jogs, and weekend miles around their already packed schedules.

Some had never run a 10k before. Others hadn’t run in years. But all of them were united by a shared goal: to raise money for work that matters.

"I completed 'Couch to 10k' back in 2021 and haven't run much since. This felt like an ideal opportuity to push myself while supporting other women and girls. Funding is becoming more competitive and challenging to secure, and being part of the team raising sponsorship is one more thing I can do to help."

Rachel Kelly - WHM CEO

Why we ran

Each member of our 10k team had their own reasons for running, but all were united by a deep belief in what Women’s Health Matters stands for. Some joined the challenge as long-time staff members who see the impact of our work every day. Others took part to support loved ones involved in the charity, or simply to do something active and positive for a cause they care about.

For many, this wasn’t just a fitness goal. It was an opportunity to push themselves in a different way, to show up publicly, proudly, and passionately for women and girls across Leeds.

Emily, our Rainbow Hearts Project Lead, summed it perfectly:

"I've worked at WHM for over three years. In that time, I've seen just how vital our work is. This run is for every woman who has found strength in our groups, found safety in our spaces, and found their voices through our work. Every pound raised helps us keep going and keep showing up for those who need it most"

Zak, running in support of his wife and the charity she works for, saw the run as a small but powerful act of kindness:

“Through asking for sponsorship from friends and family, I hope I’ve not only raised money, but also awareness of WHM and the work they do. I like the idea that we can all help change the world through being kind and making an effort.”

Others, like Duncan, joined the team as allies, using the race as a way to stand in solidarity with women who have experienced trauma, inequality and injustice:

“I run often, but this time it's about more than pace. I'm running 10km in solidarity with WHM, supporting women and girls in Leeds facing abuse, trauma and inequality. WHM creates safe, empowering spaces where women can rebuild their lives. I'm proud to stand with them, not for them.”

Each runner carried their own motivation, whether rooted in personal experience, professional connection or a desire to create change. And together, every step they took helped raise not just funds, but visibility for the women and families we walk alongside every day.

Meet the team

Whether it was their first time at the start line, or they were seasoned runners, each member of our team brought passion, perseverance and a whole lot of heart to the Leeds 10k. From personal bests to personal milestones, our runners crossed the finish line not only with impressive times but with a shared sense of purpose.

• Duncan led the way with an incredible time of 49:11, representing WHM with speed and solidarity.

  
  

• Evie, our Finance and Operations Administrator, crossed the line at 1:03:54, after weeks of dedicated training and determination.

  
  

• Emily followed closely at 1:04:11, running with deep conviction for the women we support.

  
  

• Zak, running in support of his wife and WHM’s mission, clocked in at 1:04:38, cheered on by friends and family.

  
  

• Bridget, our Finance and Office Manager, powered through to the end at 1:07:17, never losing momentum.

  
  

• Rachel, our CEO, completed the race in 1:10:14, pushing herself beyond her comfort zone and leading by example in both spirit and action.

  
  

• Ilana, running with energy and purpose, finished in 1:13:02, keeping pace with the team and the cause.

  
  

• Ant, one of our fantastic WHM runners, stayed committed throughout and crossed the line at 1:36:20, raising both awareness and vital funds.

  
  

• Tabz, The Key Change Project Lead, took on the heat and distance with determination and heart, finishing in 1:40:20, a huge personal achievement.

From those who ran at pace to those who walked with pride, every single person who crossed the finish line did something extraordinary. You showed up. You kept going. You made a difference.

We are all incredibly proud of our 10k team and everything they gave to get there, not just on race day but in the weeks of training and fundraising that led up to it.

Cheering from the sidelines

While our runners put one foot in front of the other, our volunteers and supporters were out in force, cheering, clapping, waving handmade signs, and keeping spirits high all along the course.

Members of the WHM team lined the route with family and friends, shouting words of encouragement and offering high-fives to anyone who needed a boost. The atmosphere was electric, and it wasn’t just the runners feeling it!

As Taylor, one of our WHM staff volunteers, shared:

“My son and I were dancing our hearts out at the 2K cheer point. We had an amazing drummer next to us who not only gave energy to the runners but also to us. We enjoyed high-fiving runners and shouting out encouragement!”

The Leeds 10k is known for its community feel, and we felt it all around us. Supporters brought colour, noise, and warmth to the day, and their energy lifted our team all the way to the finish line. From everyone at WHM, thank you! You made this race special.

What we’re fundraising for

The money raised is going towards Inside Out and Rosebuds, two essential WHM support groups that currently have no ongoing funding.

Inside Out is a 13-week course for women whose children are no longer in their care, whether through adoption, foster care, or other kinship arrangements. The group supports women to strengthen their parenting skills and improve their wellbeing by exploring the impact of trauma, domestic abuse and exploitation on their lives and parenting. It’s a space where women can rebuild confidence, learn practical tools and begin healing in the company of others who truly understand.  

Rosebuds, meanwhile, is a weekly peer support group for women whose children live elsewhere. Through a blend of structured sessions and supportive conversations, Rosebuds helps women navigate life after loss and separation, often due to adoption, foster care or special guardianship arrangements. Sessions explore themes such as coping with change, building resilience, effective communication, and understanding the impact of abuse.

Without dedicated funding, these vital spaces risk disappearing, yet they remain a lifeline for the women who need them the most.

There’s still time to donate

If you haven’t had a chance to support the WHM 10k team this year, it’s not too late. Every pound raised helps us keep vital services running and reach women who are too often forgotten.

Donate Now

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Your support means everything.