Running and Raising Money: Avril’s journey to support RJC Dance

When Avril laces up her running shoes, it’s more than just about hitting the pavement—it’s about purpose, resilience and giving back. Over the next year, Avril is taking on a monumental challenge: completing over ten races, including the Manchester Marathon, Leeds Half Marathon and the Great North Run,, a total of 120 miles to raise funds for RJC Dance activities.

Avril’s relationship with running has been rocky. As a child she hated long distance running. It wasn’t until becoming a mother that running became part of her life.

“Running with a pram fit better into my lifestyle,” she recalls. Her true passion for running only grew through grief. The loss of her grandmother and uncle pushed her to run longer distances to process her emotions. “I ran my first 10.5mile with music, coffee, a sweet and plenty of grief,” she shares.

Avril’s connection with RJC Dance started when her daughter joined the Shack Out Teenies session at six years old. “RJC Dance gave my daughter the opportunity to take part in carnival, which developed her love for it,” says Avril, who also rekindled her own love of dance by joining the Adult Community Class.

“The ethos of RJC Dance and their active role in the community inspires me. They give children confidence, opportunities and a space to shine.”

As a working mum, Avril juggles family, work and training. “I utilise the hours I’d be sleeping, waking up early or staying up late, and fit runs in between my daughter’s activities,” she says. Support from her partner and mother helps her make it all possible. While her schedule is full, she believes in the importance of balance.

“Small steps lead to big changes!”

Though Avril describes her relationship with running as love/hate, she keeps signing up for races to stay focused and consistent. “Running is my escape,” she says. Inspired by her daughters’ energy, she strives to lead by example for her family.

How You Can Support Avril

Avril’s dedication to running is driven by her appreciation for RJC Dance and its impact on the community. By supporting her fundraising efforts, you’ll be helping RJC Dance continue to provide opportunities for young people in dance.

“If you believe, you can achieve,” Avril reminds us. “If I can do it, so can you.”

Avril has already raised over £100 for RJC Dance with her two runs in 2024. In 2025, you can catch Avril in her Carnival AZUL tutu and an RJC Dance vest at the following races and cheer her on:

• Brass Monkey Half Marathon January 2025

• Dewsbury 10k - February 2025

• Manchester Marathon - 27th April 2025

• Leeds Half Marathon - 11th May 2025

• Leeds 10k - 15 June 2025

• Eccup Race 10 Mile - Date TBC – Likely July 2025

• Great North Run - 7 September 2025

• Leeds Abbey Dash October 2025

• Yorkshire Marathon - October 2025

You can donate to Avril’s journey and learn more about Avril through her JustGiving page.