A Bedford mum, who also happens to be an award-winning fundraiser, is preparing to take on an extraordinary 50-mile running challenge this month to raise money for Movember, a charity dedicated to improving men’s health and raising awareness of mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Liz Simmonds, 51, will set off at 6am on Saturday, 14 November, running 50 miles around Bedford in a self-organised challenge that will push her to her limits.
Having already raised an incredible £3,800, Liz hopes to raise even more while encouraging people to talk openly about men’s health.
The cause is particularly close to her heart, having seen family and friends affected by suicide, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Liz is also keen to support the boys at Bedford School, where her son is in the Upper Sixth, who are taking part in their own Movember fundraising activities.
“Men’s health is something I feel incredibly strongly about,” explained Liz.
“I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact that suicide and cancer can have on families and friends, and I wanted to do something that might make a difference, however small.
“The boys at Bedford School are doing a fantastic job supporting Movember, and I wanted to get behind them and help raise awareness of these incredibly important issues.
Liz is no stranger to endurance challenges, having previoulsy completed ultramarathon distances of 60 and 70 miles.
She is also a living kidney donor, having donated a kidney seven years ago.
Last year, Liz was recognised for her incredible charitable efforts by being named Fundraiser of the Year at the Bedford Independent Everyday Hero Awards 2024.
“I want to challenge myself”
Describing the challenges, Liz said: “I don’t find them easy, and fitting the training around being a mum, working full-time and everything else life throws at you can be incredibly tough.
“But that’s partly why I do them.
“I want to challenge myself, push beyond what I think I’m capable of and, most importantly, raise money and awareness for causes that really matter.
“If running 50 miles encourages even one man to talk about his mental health, seek help or get something checked that he’s been putting off, then it will have been worth it.”
Liz admits that preparing for this latest challenge has been particularly difficult, with the demands of family life, a full-time job and the physical and mental commitment required to train for such a distance.
Unlike an organised ultramarathon, this event has no official race infrastructure or crowds of competitors. It is simply Liz, her running shoes, a planned route around Bedford and the support of friends and family.
Several friends will join her for sections of the route, while boys from Bedford School are planning to run laps alongside her to show their support.
“Having people join me along the way will mean an enormous amount,” she said.
“50 miles is a long way, and there will undoubtedly be moments when it feels incredibly hard. But I know why I’m doing it, and that will keep me motivated. The fundraising and awareness are far more important than how quickly I get around.”
With nearly £4,000 already raised, Liz hopes her challenge will encourage others to support Movember and help start conversations that could ultimately save lives.
“People have been incredibly generous, and I’m so grateful. Every donation, however small, really does make a difference. Ultimately, this isn’t about running 50 miles.
“It’s about doing something positive for a charity that supports men’s physical and mental health, and hopefully encouraging others to talk, listen and look out for one another.”
To support Liz’s Movember 50-mile challenge, donations can be made here.
