From "never a runner" to 5k. Billie's inspiring journey for The Big Trust

At The Big Trust, we're all about connecting businesses with communities and creating opportunities that change lives. But this month, we're celebrating a story much closer to home - one of personal growth, perseverance, and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Our operations manager, Billie, has done something she never thought possible.

Below, Billie will be the first to tell you that she's never been a runner. In fact, if you asked her at the start of the year whether she'd ever run 5K, she probably would have laughed and said, "not a chance!". But this spring, with inspiration from her sister Lois, she decided to embark on a journey that would not only transform her fitness, but also her mental health and overall wellbeing.

Taking the first step: Couch to 5K

I started running with the BBC couch to 5K programme, a nine-week training plan designed for complete beginners. With a mix of walking and gentle jogging, the programme gradually builds up stamina until participants can run a full 5K.

At first, I was terrified. I had never run in my life, never really done any fitness at all, even back to my days in high school. That first one-minute jog felt like a marathon - but I told myself to keep going. I wanted to feel fitter, clear my head, and just do something for myself.

Like many people, Billie began running as part of a commitment to improve her mental health, get outside more, and take back control of her personal wellbeing. Step by step, run by run, she started to notice the difference - not just physically, but emotionally too.

• More energy during the day

• A clearer mind after a stressful week

• A sense of achievement with every completed run

Nine weeks later, Billie officially completed couch to 5k, a milestone she once thought was impossible.

A new goal: Running for a cause

But Billie's journey doesn't stop there. Inspired by her own progress, she's now planning on signing up to run a charity 5k and she's dedicating to the charity she works so hard for: The Big Trust.

By turning this personal goal into a fundraising challenge, Billie is hoping to raise awareness and vital funds to support our mission - bridging the gap between businesses and communities across Liverpool.

Every pound she raises will go towards helping people access training, skills development, and employment opportunities, transforming lives one step at a time.

How you can support Billie

Billie is calling on local businesses and supporters to get behind her journey. You can support her in three ways:

1. Corporate sponsorships

   Businesses can sponsor Billie's 5K run, demonstrating your company's commitment to community impact while helping raise funds for The Big Trust.

2. Individual donations

   Every donation - big or small - will help Billie make a difference. Your support will motivate her across the finish line while directly funding our life-changing programmes.

3. Sharing our social media posts and the link to donate - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sponsorarun?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL

Why Billie's journey matters

At The Big Trust, we believe in empowering people and communities. Billie's journey is a reminder that positive change starts with a single step - whether it's someone running their first kilometre, a business opening its doors to provide opportunities, or a job seeker taking that first leap into training.

Billie's courage and determination mirror the stories we see every day in the communities we serve. Her run is more than a fitness challenge; it's a celebration of resilience, growth, and giving back.

Cheer Billie on!

Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing updates on Billie's training, fundraising, and race day experience. We'd love for you to cheer her on, share our story, and donate if you can.

Together, we can make every step Billie takes count - not just for her own health, but for the future of people and communities across Liverpool and beyond.

Please click the link to donate - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sponsorarun?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL