Defying the Odds & Supporting Our Elders
I’m Samantha Shakes, a 53-year-old Hackney resident who has faced more health challenges than I can count—yet here I am, ready to run 5K and prove that nothing can hold us back!
I live with Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness that causes inflammation in my stomach. It brings fatigue, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, and even depression. 27 years ago, I had surgery to remove my colon and appendix, which left me with a stoma and an ileostomy bag. Since then, I’ve developed four autoimmune conditions, leading to swollen joints, dizziness, weight loss, and difficulty concentrating.
Six months ago, I was hospitalized with sepsis. I needed a wheelchair, a walking stick, and the help of others just to get around.
💭 Sounds like bad news, right? But actually, it’s not!
That journey taught me that health challenges don’t have to limit us. I realized I had a second chance at life—so I made it count. I’ve traveled to Cuba, Kenya, Ghana, and India for months at a time. I changed my eating habits and saw my health improve. I became a chronic disease self-management tutor, helping hundreds of people with long-term conditions. I’ve lectured in universities, sharing my experience with future doctors and nurses.
And then I wrote a book, Then Life Took Control, which even won an award from the Nursing Standard Journal—I never expected that!
Why Am I Running 5K? 🏃♀️
Because I want to push my body and mind beyond limitations. I may have four autoimmune conditions, a limp, and walking takes me twice as long as most—but I believe in the power of resilience. That’s why I’ve set a goal:
🏅 Run the 5K in 30 minutes! (Average time: 42 minutes)
Impossible? Maybe. But when my Personal Trainer, Richard Lukombo, told me:
💬 “You’ve got in you, more than you know. All you’ve got to do is keep on running and keep on breathing!”
I knew—this challenge is about more than just running.
Supporting Our Elders 👵🏾👴🏾
I’m fundraising for the Hackney Caribbean Elders Organisation (HCEO) because our elders are gems—full of wisdom, stories, and experiences. HCEO provides a safe, warm, and welcoming space for our local elders, offering support, activities, and community connections.
I want to help them continue their amazing work—bringing smiles, laughter, and love to those who deserve it most.
Join Me! 🙌
This 5K is about more than just a race—it’s a statement that our bodies, minds, and spirits are stronger than we believe.
💖 Every donation makes a difference. Let’s prove together that no obstacle is too big!
📢 Click here to donate and support HCEO!
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast, and totally secure. Your details are safe, and once you donate, your money goes directly to the charity—saving time and cutting costs.
🙏 Thank you for your support! Let’s do this together! 🎉
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