GP goes the extra mile
Dr Catherine Beanland, GP at the Portcullis Surgery in Ludlow, has started 2013 with one big goal; to complete her own marathon.
She is following in the enthusiastic footsteps of others who have taken on the unique ‘My Marathon’ challenge. This is a new idea which aims to reintroduce less active individuals back into exercise, by completing 26 miles in 26 consecutive days.
My Marathon first came about thanks to nine year old Josh Beharrell, from Bayston Hill in Shrewsbury, who wanted to be more like his dad who ran the London Marathon in 2010 for Severn Hospice. The idea has taken over and inspired people across the county to set their own exercise goals, whilst raising money for charity.
Catherine admits that she feels far too unfit to run a full marathon, and the My Marathon structure suits her, and hopefully others, much better.
“I thought Josh’s story was wonderful and the idea that anyone, no matter what their level of fitness, can do it will hopefully motivate my patients to join me.”
Although My Marathon began by raising funds for Severn Hospice, the choice is up to the individual, and is a great way to raise money for any cause that is close to the heart.
For Catherine, the decision was easy. The Ludlow Carers Group is based in Catherine’s workplace at Portcullis Surgery and she has chosen them as her beneficiary. The Ludlow Carers Group aims to provide help, advice, friendship and respite for people who care, unpaid, for a friend or family member.
As a GP, Catherine sees firsthand how hard it is to care for a loved one when they suffer from ill-health or struggle to cope with old age:
“I want to show my appreciation for their care.”
The Ludlow Carers Group is a non-funded organisation, and its future always remains uncertain. By raising money, Catherine hopes to ensure support continues to reach those who need it most. Catherine states that the added pressure of publicity is enough to motivate anyone:
“I am raising money for The Ludlow Carers Group; I cannot let anyone down.”
The thought of exercise after a long, hard days work can be the last thing on anyone’s mind. With her hectic workload as a GP for the practice, along with Shropdoc, the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) and her busy family life, Catherine is the first to admit how hard it is to find the time to exercise.
My Marathon is all about fitting exercise back into your own life and around your own commitments. Catherine aims to prove that anyone can achieve their goals, and said:
“If I can do it, then anyone can.”
With plenty of support behind her from family and other members of Portcullis Surgery joining in the marathon, Catherine said:
“It is now or never. I am trying to inspire my husband and family to be more active, and all of my patients; especially people who are perhaps unfit or have some disabilities.”
My Marathon is designed to show people that a few small steps can change your life, but if you are already active then you can still get involved. Catherine is planning to combine several of her favourite activities with those that she has never enjoyed before:
“I love swimming and dancing but have never really liked walking or running at all. I am starting to like walking, and there might possibly be some running later on. I realise that it exercises different muscles, which is good for me.”
From ballroom dancing to golf, you can complete your miles however you wish. Remember, it’s ‘My Marathon, My Way’.
The Ludlow Carers Group is based at Portcullis Surgery in Ludlow. To donate or sponsor Catherine and others in their challenge, visit or call the receptionists on 01584 872939 who will be happy to help you.
For more information or to get involved in My Marathon yourself, visit www.shropshire.nhs.uk or email Miranda Ashwell, Programme Lead for Physical Activity at the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust, at miranda.ashwell@shropshirepct.nhs.uk.
You can track Catherine’s progress or read other inspiring stories on the My Marathon Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/My-Marathon/330151697074357.
