Leeds woman faces fears to champion mental health

A one-woman bid to conquer challenges and raise cash for local charities, along with awareness of mental health, has seen a great result.

Leeds Trinity alumna and staff member Gill Barker has raised more than £5,000 as part of her two-year challenge, ‘35 Before 35’ to support Leeds Mind and Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The senior marketing officer’s incredible successes have included: cycling Mont Ventoux; running the 127-mile Leeds Liverpool canal; climbing Mount Snowdon; and completing the Honolulu Marathon in Hawaii.

She has also taken on mental tasks such as public speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, overcoming her fear of heights at Go Ape, and abseiling at How Stean Gorge.

For her final challenge, Gill took on a 270-mile triathlon route starting in her hometown of Chatham in Kent, to Yorkshire, where she works and lives now. This ended at Leeds Town Hall on her thirty-fourth birthday, March 14, and she was greeted by friends, colleagues, charity representatives and her family including twin sister Helen.

Gill said: “Looking back it was a tough week full of obstacles; from gale force winds making it so hard to cycle, to my knee giving up on me over the last three days of running. But despite all this, I really enjoyed challenging myself. My dad was great and kept me company on his bike for the full 270 miles and mum was so encouraging. I couldn’t have done it without them. I was so touched and overwhelmed by everyone waiting at the finish line.”

Charlie Jackett, events manager at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We’re all amazed and inspired by Gill’s dedication and passion raising money to help save lives in Yorkshire.”

To donate to Gill’s mission, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=35before35&pageUrl=1

Welcome home: Friends and family in Leeds celebrate the achievements of Gill Barker