How running has helped a Yorkshire mum cope with brain injury

Eight years ago Helen Whiteley’s life changed forever,

She will never know exactly what happened, but on November 24, 2012 she was found unresponsive at the bottom of her stairs at home.

“I have no recollection of how I got there,” says Helen. “I was initially taken to Huddersfield Hospital but immediately transferred to the Leeds General Infirmary Neurosurgery Department.”

It was there that Helen was diagnosed with an acute subdural haematoma and fractured skull and was taken immediately into surgery for an emergency craniotomy to alleviate the bleed on her brain.

“I was then placed in an induced coma on the Neurosurgery ICU ward at LGI, where I stayed for a number of weeks,” says Helen. “This period was extremely traumatic for my family especially my daughter Isobelle and son Isaac who were only 13 and nine at the time. My family were informed that it was unclear as to whether I would regain consciousness once the drugs were withdrawn, and if I did, what permanent physical and mental disabilities I could be faced with for the rest of my life.”

Fortunately, Helen did recover, albeit very slowly.

“However the brain injury has changed my life and who I am. To get to where I am today has been long and challenging, however I have the support of family, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and the independent living teams. I am no longer an accountant working fulltime for the NHS, but I do work part time in a library which I love.”
But it wasn’t just the physical injuries that have changed Helen.

“I suffered acute anxiety and was unable to leave the house and struggled with my balance needing a stick to help me walk. I found it hard to interact with people and had no self-confidence or awareness. I have a very poor memory, struggle with cognitive functions and have lost my sense of smell and have a reduced taste.”

In February 2014 she suffered a seizure and was diagnosed with epilepsy which is now controlled by medication.

“I know I am not the same person I was before. I have no filter, speak my mind and can be immature, much to the horror of my children; these are all consequences from my brain injury.”

In January this years Helen decided to take up running, encouraged by her friend Gill to begin the Couch to 5K beginners running program with Northowram Pumas Running Club. “I found the prospect of taking part in this extremely scary, very challenging and somewhat out of my comfort zone, having never run before. I stuck at it and the support I got from the club’s run leaders was amazing.” On March 7 she did her first 5K park run with the Pumas. “During lockdown I continued with my running and I’m now able to run on my own and off road. I set myself mini challenges, slowly progressing to run five miles, 10K, 10 miles, and two half- marathons. I have become very competitive with myself, always wanting to achieve new personal bests which has definitely helped with my recovery. Running has helped my confidence, made me more independent and significantly improved my balance.”

She has decided to part in the Virtual London Marathon on Sunday, running alongside other members of the Pumas and finishing in her hometown of Halifax at the historic Piece Hall.

“The run will take place just one month before my 50th birthday, eight years since my life- changing accident and only eight months since I put on my first pair of trainers.” Helen is raising money for Headway the Brain Injury Association and the Neurosurgery Department at Leeds General Infirmary. “I want to give something back to support all people with brain injuries. I know how very lucky I have been to recover from my injuries with only minor disabilities but there are many people who are not as fortunate as me and I would like to help those who need continuing treatment and support.”

Darren Renshaw, 46, from Barnsley has a very different reason for taking part in the virtual London Marathon. He is raising funds The Institute of Cancer Research, London after three members of his family were diagnosed with cancer.

His nan Brenda, 94, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and after undergoing surgery, she was given the all-clear, but the cancer returned. Despite again being successfully treated, Brenda was told last year that the cancer had returned once more.

The World War 2 veteran, who joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service – the women’s branch of the British Army – at the age of 18, and drove ambulances during the war, is no stranger to fighting. But doctors have decided that it’s best not to give her any further treatment and are instead focusing on managing the disease.

Darren hopes that he can take up the fight against cancer in her honour by supporting the work of The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).

Three ‘strong women’ in Darren’s family have now been directly affected by cancer. Darren’s mum was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2007 and his sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011.

Both have made a full recovery, and Darren wants to ensure that future generations are protected.

The father of two applied to run the London Marathon last year, after successfully completing the Berlin Marathon for the ICR in 2018. When the event was cancelled, Darren decided he didn’t want to let his sponsors down and so signed up to run the virtual race instead.

“Cancer has affected three generations of my family, and all really strong women,” says Darren. “My nan can’t defeat her cancer, but the ICR can finish cancer for future generations, and that’s why I want to support them.”

To sponsor Helen visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helenwhiteley

To support Darren and help the ICR finish cancer, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DarrenRenshaw1