‘I met the love of my life at Parkrun’
Carol Dean, 51, from Northamptonshire, is a full-time carer
‘A few years ago, my mental health took a huge nosedive. After my father died in 1994, my mother started relying heavily on me for everything, so I quit my job and even avoided friendships and relationships to be her full-time carer. The only thing that really brought me any joy were my five whippets and one lurcher.
The dogs meant everything to me, so when they started to get old and inevitably pass away I was left bereft. Saying goodbye to Beau especially was like losing a child, and his loss left me unable to get up. I’d spend weeks on the sofa watching daytime TV – I felt so low.
My friend Jason had been trying to persuade me to run, as it had helped him with his mental health, but I’d always said no. I’d never been a runner, I couldn’t start at 48! But with little else to get up for, I conceded, agreeing to “just try” Couch to 5K.
To my surprise, I likedkept me going. As I began to go more regularly, I recognised more people. Eventually, there was a group of women I’d chat and run with (the Run Mummy Run group). I’d also wave at the event’s photographer, John, who would be there each week, snapping the runners.
