JANE DENNISON

How did you first get involved in MileShyClub?

I'm proud to say I started the club on 8th January 2017! Running helped me with my mental health massively, but to become a runner had been really difficult. I kept injuring myself by overtraining and returning to training too soon after injury. I tore my calf at one point and had to walk with a crutch! But when I started running injury free it just helped sort my head out so much. I'd run along the canal in Sale and always thought it would make a great route for those starting out for the first time. 

Previous to #MileShy, I'd spent years working in the legal sector - I got my 2:1 law degree and worked in legal teams for Pets at Home, Thomas Cook and Eversheds Sutherland. But I'd also got married when I was 18, divorced at 24, a single parent at 21 and was even been homeless in my teenage years. I understood what it meant to be lonely and what it meant to be disabled by mental health. I knew there was so much sadness and need in the world and whilst I enjoyed law (and the money!), I knew my destiny was something else. My skillset in law wasn't unique, but my life experiences had been, which put me in a special place to help others. 

 I left my law firm job in the August and did something out of my comfort zone and retrained as an aerobics instructor and Level 1 Running Coach. I loved it. I created a few flyers, spread the word on social media and on the first day at the new beginner running club in Sale 33 people turned up!

 What does being CEO with the MileShyClub mean to you?

It means I get to work on strategy and promote the club to a wider audience and encourage new people to join us. It means I am accountable to a trustee board which is a good thing because it shows I'm no longer solely running the club on my own. It's my vocation. 

 I did question before taking on the role whether I was the right person for it. I believe I am. But I will always act in the best interests of the club so if one day that changes, I'm ok with that too. 

 I volunteer at the running club twice a week still, and also manage the new walking clubs in person.

Why do you like being involved with the MileShyClub?

It's my family. That's basically it! We look out for each other, support each other and everyone is welcome. Not everyone gets to have a family like that. 

What do you do outside of the MileShyClub?

I work part-time for a service called Empower You as a Service Manager. Commissioned by Trafford Council, the service helps people with disabilities get into physical activity. It does amazing things and I have been involved for nearly 3 years now. It's led by an amazing MD called Ben Andrews and he shares similar values to me which means we're a powerhouse for good!

I also deliver mental health training after qualifying as a Mental Health First Aid instructor a few years ago. I am fascinated by mental health and read extensively on the topic. As a qualified PT, I find there's demand for mental health training sessions with a stretch/meditation section so the link between mental health and physical activity ties in well. I deliver mental health training for England Athletics and MIND too. 

I'm also a Trustee Chair for the Trafford Community Collective which is a charity which brings together the VCSE sector in Trafford to work collaboratively to help people in need. 

In my spare time(!), I practice self-care with long dog walks (with coffee), cross stitch projects and learning to play the piano. I also have two teenage daughters at home and an amazing husband who is surviving the storm with me.

How did you start running?

With an old pair of trainers, a falling down pair of joggers, a heart stopping sports bra and a smidge of self belief. 

What is your greatest achievement or proudest moment with the MileShyClub?

All of it!