Finally, after many Covid-related delays, the ‘Run the Wall’ team has completed its challenge to run along the 90 miles of Hadrian’s Wall. The team was raising funds to establish a new family therapy suite at the Aurora Wellbeing Centre, which is based in the Old Library Building in Worksop.
Back in January 2019 Sarah Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time, and she realised there was nothing available locally to help her young children through this traumatic time. There was nowhere they could get child-friendly support, ask questions, have a place they could offload without worrying that they would upset Sarah.
With too much time to think whilst recovering from a mastectomy, her thoughts and dreams looked towards the future. One of her long-standing dreams was to run Hadrian’s Wall and with the encouragement of her family and friends this has now become a reality – 90 miles coast to coast in four days!
Sarah wanted to set up something special for children and has fundraised tirelessly over the past few years to make this happen. The exciting news is that the official launching of this service will be on 10th September and the Family Therapy Room is ready and waiting to welcome children and families affected by a cancer diagnosis, where they will be able to seek help and advice with fully trained play therapists with additional support, resources and advice for parents and carers.
Sarah said: “This has been a personal challenge, overcoming any ‘Wall’ that stands in your way pushing your limits and achieving something you maybe thought was out of reach. This is why this adventure has been shared with as many local people as possible.”
The fundraising has not stopped, however, as the service will need financial support going forward to maintain the high standards expected of an Aurora service and it is not too late to donate – if you would like to donate please see www.localgiving.org/donation/aurorawellbeingcentres?ref=ce6266bfa5&src=runthewall2020.
If you would like to get involved, Sarah and her team are looking for volunteers to help with the Worksop Half Marathon on 30th October or even to run it if you are willing! For more information on this or on how to donate, contact Sarah at runthewall2020@gmail.com.
Aurora is a local cancer charity supporting people affected by cancer or a long-term illness. It is open to the general public and offers lots of activities and support, including the Heritage Hub in the heart of the Old Library and Museum building as well as a well-stocked charity shop and Valerie’s Tearooms. This last overlooks the Canch in the beautiful setting of the Memorial Gardens. Beauty therapy rooms provide beauty treatments and holistic therapies which help support the charity by delivering Aurora services.
The Aurora Wellbeing Centre is open Monday to Friday at 9.00am to 5.00pm. The tearooms and charity shop are open 9.30am to 4.00pm. For more information, phone 01909 470985 or 03000 111202 or email admin@aurorawellbeing.com.