Meet Madison: Running for Sheffield Futures at the Sheffield Half Marathon

Madison previously ran the Sheffield 10K for us and is now taking on an even bigger challenge with the Sheffield Half Marathon. After moving to Sheffield to study at Sheffield Hallam University, the city has become a second home to her over the past three years. 

As an aspiring secondary school teacher, Madison is passionate about supporting young people and making sure they feel seen and heard. Fundraising for us has given her the opportunity to combine that passion with her love of running. We caught up with Madison to hear more about her motivation, her fundraising experience and why our work means so much to her.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself? 

I am currently in my final year of studying History at Sheffield Hallam University and have lived in Sheffield for the past 3 years. Sheffield has become my second home, and everyone here has always been so kind and friendly. I love to run, hence my decision to take part in the Sheffield 10k, I also read a variety of books, either history books or romance! I am enjoying engaging with my creative side a bit more by colouring, painting and trying to start crocheting.

What made you choose to fundraise for Sheffield Futures? 

I am an aspiring secondary school teacher, and having not long left the world of school, I know how hard life can be for young adults and children. So when I got the opportunity to raise money for Sheffield Futures, who’s passion it is to make a difference to young people’s lives, I couldn’t pass it up! I have never fundraised for a charity before so it was a new challenge for me to see how much support I could get and thus support Sheffield Futures.   

I believe that everyone should be seen and heard, and I believe that Sheffield Futures allows for this to happen. 

Why does our cause resonate with you personally? 

Throughout my life in school, I occasionally struggled with anxiety and upset over my parents divorce, and I wish there was a service such as Sheffield Futures in my local area that I could have benefitted from.   

Was there a particular story, person, or experience that motivated you to take part?

All the stories that have come from Sheffield Futures are what motivated me. From stories of students dreaming to get the grades to go to college, to students starting to get over some of the things that make them anxious, the work that Sheffield Futures does should not go unnoticed and that’s what inspired me to fundraise.   

What was the most memorable or rewarding part of your fundraising experience? 

When I hit my fundraising target of £200 and then surpassed it by raising over £300 I was over the moon! Knowing I had raised that much for Sheffield Futures made me absolutely ecstatic. 

Did you face any challenges along the way? How did you overcome them? 

The most challenging part of this was the getting up and training. Since the 10k was at the end of September, it meant that training was throughout summer and with the heatwave we experienced it was hard to get out on a run on some days. The motivation for me was knowing how good I would feel when I crossed the finish line and that’s what pushed me through.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about fundraising for Sheffield Futures but hasn’t taken the first step yet? 

I’d say go for it! I was nervous at first and worrying that I wasn’t going to hit my target, but once I started sharing my post, made a poster to put up at work, and the first donations started to come through, I felt so much more positive.

What did you learn about yourself through this experience? 

I learnt that I can put my mind to something and achieve it, and when I’m motivated there’s nothing that will stop me. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self? 

Everything happens for a reason and when the going gets tough, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. 

We can’t wait to be cheering Madison on again at the Half Marathon next month!

You can show your support for Madison and for the young people of Sheffield by donating to her fundraising page.