Nottinghamshire ladies Julie and Jo turn lockdown into a Couch to 5K challenge

As swimming pools and exercise classes closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, a lady with Down’s Syndrome began running for the first time and has completed the Couch to 5K challenge with her carer who is part of the Shared Lives scheme ran by Nottinghamshire County Council.
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Shared Lives supports adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or other needs so they can live as independently as possible in the community.

Julie Lenehan, a Shared Lives carer from Retford, has cared and supported Jo for more than five years and before lockdown, used to take her to several activities each week including swimming lessons, Zumba and Slimming World.

But after they were cancelled due to Covid-19, Julie was looking for something new to do and her son suggested taking part in the Couch to 5K running challenge for beginners.

Jo proudly shows off her Couch to 5K medal and t-shirtJo proudly shows off her Couch to 5K medal and t-shirt
Jo proudly shows off her Couch to 5K medal and t-shirt

Using the Couch to 5K guidance, Julie and Jo have been training since the beginning of lockdown and have built up stamina each week.

Twelve weeks later, Jo and Julie successfully completed the challenge and are over the moon with their achievement.

Jo said: “I’ve really enjoyed the whole experience.

“We’ve been practising for a while and the challenge has been difficult at times but I’m glad Julie supported me throughout the training.

“It is a great achievement and I received a new t-shirt and 5K medal as a reward! It was amazing and I’ll definitely keep running.”

Julie added: “I hadn’t run for years but I’m really chuffed that even in the rain we completed our 5K challenge.

“It’s amazing to see what Jo can achieve as she means a lot to me.

"I’ve been a Shared Lives carer for five years with Jo and a further three years with another lady prior to that.

“I really enjoy being a Shared Lives carer and I find it extremely rewarding.Coun Tony Harper, chairman of the council’s adult social care and health committee said: “I’d like to give a special thanks to Julie Lenehan for doing such a fantastic job as a Shared Lives carer and literally going the extra mile to ensure Jo has been keeping fit and active lockdown.”

To enquire about becoming a Shared Lives carer, click here.