Mum to run ultramarathon for Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind

Payroll manager Liz Grange, from Stroud, will be counting every mile when she dons her trainers to tackle the 50km (31 mile) run on September 23.

Liz, who works for accountancy and law firm Optimum Professional Services, is fundraising for her firm's charity of the year, Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind.

Her sister, Naomi Benneyworth, who was a teacher at Rednock School in Dursley, passed away in 2022.

Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind was a charity close to Naomi’s heart.

“I sadly lost my wonderful sister Naomi last year, and am so passionate about fundraising for local mental health charities," said Liz, who is mum to Zach, six, Cass, four and one-year-old Jude.

"She was a fantastic auntie and so close to my three boys.

"Naomi at least had support, having struggled with her mental health since her teenage years, but so many people are unable to reach out.

"This is why charities like Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind are so important.”

Liz took up running before lockdown and carried on all through her third pregnancy.

She has now ramped up her regular runs to complete 30 plus miles a week, and is following a training programme.

Although she has taken part in half-marathons, she’s never tackled a full marathon, let alone an ultramarathon.

Liz is tracking her progress through the online running community Strava, which has a Miles for Mind initiative which encourages runners to challenge themselves and raise funds at the same time, in support of mental health charities.

“If all goes well, I hope to complete the run in about six hours," said Liz.

"I’ve plotted the route and I have a few running friends who hope to join me here and there, at different stages.”

Tracey Heath, operations director at Swindon and Cheltenham-based Optimum, said:

“We’re so proud and admiring of Liz and the effort she is putting in to raise money for such a great cause.

"We wish her well and will be rooting for her on the day.”

Donate at - tinyurl.com/8st7t43c