As the London Marathon takes place this year ,one incredible supporter of Blood Bikes Wales is preparing to take on her own challenge–and her journey is one that truly inspires.
Meet Vickie — a determined runner with a powerful story of change, resilience, and giving back.
Originally from Maulden in Bedfordshire, Vickie came to Swansea for what was meant to be a long weekend – but like many who visit, she quickly fell in love with the area. The sea, she jokes, is perfect for someone with “webbed feet!”
Today Vickie works as a self-employed dog walker- a job she loves deeply. In her own words, her dogs provide purpose, routine, and unconditional love.
Discovering Running and Support
Vickie first heard about Blood Bikes Wales after joining Port Talbot Harriers, where she met one our long-standing volunteers Wendy who introduced her to the charity and its work supporting the NHS.
Although she has now completed eight half marathons, running wasn’t always part of her life. In fact, at school she admits she avoided PE whenever she could.
In 2018 , she decided to make a change. Wanting to improve her health and lose weight , she joined a slimming group and began running to support her progress.
Alongside this, Vickie has faced challenges with her mental health and has received support from NHS mental health and psychiatric services, Running soon became more than exercise – it became a powerful coping tool and a way to build resilience.
A Remarkable Transformation
In May 2025, after careful research, Vickie chose to begin treatment using a weight-loss injection to support her ongoing journey.
A turning point came in the form of a photograph taken during a parkrun- one she describes as a “ dreaded bad photo. “ That single moment strengthened her determination to continue her journey.
Since then, Vickie has achieved an incredible milestone – losing nearly 7.5 stone.
One of the biggest challenges along the way has been protecting her legs – essential for her work as a dog walker, where staying fit and mobile is critical.
The rewards , however, have been extraordinary.
Where once running felt difficult, she now enjoys the freedom of running with ease, listening to music while still appreciating the sounds of nature around her.
Her running progress shows just how far she has come:
Bedford parkrun (March 2026): 37 minutes , Innsbruck parkrun: 37:38 Current personal best: 33:09
And sometimes, the most meaningful victories aren’t measured in minutes at all.
One moment she remembers with pride was boarding a recent flight without needing a seatbelt extender – something that symbolised just how far she had come.
Taking on the Challenge
This year, Vickie is taking on the Virtual London Marathon, choosing this option to avoid the travel and accommodation costs associated with attending the event in person.
The virtual format allows runners to complete the distance over 24 hours using a tracking app – and just like those running through London, participants receive the official medal and T-Shirt.
Her longest training run so far has been an impressive 13.5 miles building strength and endurance step by step.
She trains both alone and with others, particularly alongside her coach FRAN BEST and fellow runners from the Happy Pace Running Club in Port Talbot.
Music also keeps her motivated – with Daylight by Shinedown providing the soundtrack to many of her runs.
Vickie is also preparing to take on the CARDIFF Half Marathon wanting to give something back to the NHS.
Her connection to NHS services is deeply personal with several of her family – including her grandmother , parents , daughter, and grandchildren – living with asthma. Her daughter received a nebuliser at just four years old.
She describes the challenge ahead as;
“Daunting, exciting, and worthwhile – especially to keep plugging Blood Bikes Wales”
Looking Ahead
When asked what she is most looking forward to, her answer is simple:
Achieving
Crossing the finish line will be about proving to herself – and her coach – just how far she has come.
Her next goal is to take part in junior parkrun power walking – though she jokes that the word “walk” doesn’t really reflect the pace involved!!!
Silent Heroes
When asked what Blood Bikes Wales means to her, Vickie said:
“Blood Bikes Wales to me are the silent heroes. They get so many jobs done so professionally, helping people and the NHS – and as my partner Dave says, we fundraise in the hope that we never have to use their services.”
We are incredibly proud to have Vickie supporting Blood Bikes Wales and wish her every success in her Virtual London Marathon and Cardiff Half \marathon Challenges
