Running 10k in support of WAY: Victoria’s story

January 2026

On 25 January 2025, Dorset-based WAY member Victoria took part in the Longleat 10K run in Wiltshire to raise funds for WAY in memory of her husband, Jules.

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Victoria had originally planned to run the race in 2024, but following the passing of her husband, Jules, and her own breast cancer diagnosis, those plans were put on hold. She took on the 10K as a personal challenge and an opportunity to give back to a charity that has supported her over the past two years.

“I chose to fundraise for WAY because of the support and services they provide,” she said. “It’s not always a widely known charity, so I try to raise awareness whenever I can.”

The race date was particularly significant, taking place two days before what would have been the couple’s wedding anniversary. Jules, whom she had been married to for 13 years, ran at national level when he was at school, making the 10k event a fitting way to mark the occasion.

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Jules was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in June 2023 and died in December of the same year. Six days after his passing, Victoria received her own breast cancer diagnosis. Over the following year, she underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and has since returned to work full time.

Training for Longleat was steady rather than fast, with weekly parkruns helping her build consistency through the winter months. She managed to smash her previous personal best for the same distance and raised nearly £250 for WAY in the process.

"Upon crossing the finish line I felt a huge sense of achievement and was rallied over the line by supporters and volunteers," she said. "Jules would have been incredibly proud of my time: 10 minutes quicker than my previous 10k in April 2023." 

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during the last few years and continue to do so. Special thanks must go to those who have donated to WAY, even when times are tough."

WAY has played an important role in Victoria’s bereavement journey, helping her to meet other people who had been widowed at a young age. She regularly attends WAY events (going along to the Big Picnic weekend for the past two years and to the AGM in Bournemouth in September 2025). She has also received lots of support and encouragement for her running through the WAY running subgroup, and accessed legal and financial advice through the members’ support line when she was made redundant. She has also built strong social connections through WAY and her local hospice, Forest Holme, and has helped introduce others to WAY’s support.

By taking part in the Longleat 10K, she hopes to awareness for WAY as well as funds, helping ensure young widowed people continue to have access to practical support and community when they need it.