September 2022
A Stockport woman is running from John O’Groats to Lands End via the National Three Peaks for The Menopause Charity and Mind after being fuelled by menopause.
For years Lorna Cullen suffered with hot flushes and nausea that left her unable to think properly. As her perimenopausal symptoms worsened she started to feel depressed, and her anxiety grew. Lorna thought long and hard before opting to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but since then she hasn’t looked back. Alongside HRT, Lorna increased her running to help minimise symptoms, keep healthy and provide a focus for her mental health.
Setting off from John O’Groats on September 3, Lorna will average a marathon a day and will hike the National Three Peaks on the 1,118mile challenge. Running self-supported for seven weeks, Lorna will carry all the equipment she needs before reaching Lands End on Saturday 22 October.
Lorna said “Looking back I realise I was probably suffering from perimenopause symptoms for a long time. It would have been reassuring to hear from others that take HRT about how it had helped them, as I previously saw it as something quite risky. I feel good now, I still get occasional brain fog but on the whole feel like I’m in a place where I can cope.
“Taking up running several years ago helped manage my symptoms and provided a positive focus for my mental health. Climbing the three mountains will really test my anxiety, which is why it’s so important for me to add this to my challenge. I’ve never done anything like this before so I’m really nervous, but incredibly excited.”
Jenny Haskey, CEO of The Menopause Charity, said: “We are so delighted that Lorna has been spurred on to tackle such an incredible challenge. As well as helping raise vital funds for our cause, she is showing others that with the right support, knowledge and understanding of menopause and the treatments available, it can be a positive and life-affirming experience for women, and those around them.
“We’ll be tracking her progress and cheering Lorna along the way.”
To sponsor Lorna please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lorna-Cullen
To follow Lorna’s progress, or find out where you can see Lorna en-route follow her on twitter @LornaRunsJogle or www.lornatri.com
