Kirsten's Story

Thu, 27 - November - 2025

Kirsten, our  MindWise Client Engagement Manager, never saw herself as a runner. The idea of lacing up and hitting the pavement felt more daunting than exciting. While completing the MindWise Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching Diploma, she set her goal to return to parkrun after several  years away due to injury. As she approached her 50th birthday, the support from her fellow trainee coach arrived at the perfect time,  giving her the confidence to get her running shoes back on. 

To mark the milestone, Kirsten set herself a challenge: a triathlon – a 5k run, a 750m swim, and a 20k cycle. She completed it proudly, raising part of the £448 she gathered for MindWise through both the triathlon and the Belfast Marathon, which she also took on last year alongside a MindWise team of staff and volunteers. 

Once the running bug took hold, she didn’t stop. Kirsten even travelled to Glasgow, a city she once called home, to run a half marathon “just for fun.” With her Scottish anthems and movie soundtrack playing in her ears, she soaked up the nostalgia, crossing the finish line in 2:11:15 and enjoying every moment. 

Running isn’t just a challenge for Kirsten anymore, it’s become a passion, a journey of self-discovery, and a way to connect with something bigger than herself. 

This Christmas and New Year, you too can embrace the power of stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s running, walking, baking, or hosting an event, your efforts can raise vital funds for MindWise, helping us support mental health and wellbeing across Northern Ireland. 

Take that first step like Kirsten did. You might just surprise yourself, and change lives along the way. 

How to Get Started 

1. Choose your fundraising idea. 

2. Get in touch with the MindWise team on info@mindwisenv.org for support and top fundraising tips, including how to set up your fundraising page. 

3. Set up your page, tell your story, and share it widely, your enthusiasm is contagious! 

4. Have fun, take photos, and tag MindWise on social media so they can cheer you on. 

What Your Efforts Achieve 

Every pound you raise has the power to change a life. It could mean a young person finally finding someone to talk to when they feel lost, a parent receiving guidance and support to help their child thrive, or someone struggling in isolation feeling heard, understood, and less alone. Your fundraising could provide a safe home for someone with nowhere else to turn, or offer financial support and advice to help a person rebuild their life. It’s more than just numbers, it’s hope when it’s needed most, a lifeline in dark times, and a reminder that someone cares. Every step, every bake sale, every mile you run brings warmth, comfort, and a brighter future to people across Northern Ireland. 

Kirsten says:

“There’s a contagious power of optimism when you run with others, and I’ve loved sharing that with my colleagues. It's amazing what you can achieve if you put your mind to it in a team! I recently ran the first 10k Born2Run events at Minnowburn with Elaine, who I did the Belfast Marathon Relay with, and we even bumped into other members of the MindWise team along the way. I’m currently waiting to hear back from the Berlin Marathon to see if I’ve got a space... I can’t wait to start running again.”