Yesterday, I ran the Great Bristol Half Marathon in aid of the Call of the Wild Development Trust – and wow, was it hot! It was tough, but I did it, and it marks our very first fundraiser for the Trust. A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me and stood at the sidelines cheering – your support means everything. Every penny raised is going straight back into underfunded communities, helping build resilience in children who need it most.
Running in that heat gave me plenty of time to reflect – not just on the run, but on what resilience really means.
For a long time, I thought being resilient meant being tough. It meant not showing emotion, pushing through, getting on with it. That belief was cemented by a former manager who once told me I “wasn’t resilient enough” – but what I now realise is they were really saying I was too emotional, something I’m proud to embrace today.
In recent years, my understanding of resilience has evolved. Listening to people like Dave Thomas, who spoke about his Antarctic experience, has shifted my thinking. I’ve come to understand that resilience isn’t just about grit and stoicism – it’s about self-awareness. It’s about tuning into your body, listening to what it’s telling you, managing your emotions, and making smart choices. Resilience isn’t about pretending the struggle doesn’t exist – it’s about recognising it, responding wisely, and knowing when to push through and when to pause.
I’ve been lucky in life – and especially in childhood. I faced my share of challenges (harsh words, not fitting in), but I was surrounded by support, opportunity, and love. I didn’t have to be especially resilient back then – because I didn’t need to be.
But for many of the children we support through the Call of the Wild Development Trust, resilience is a necessity, not a choice. They haven’t had the same privileges I had – and that’s why our work matters. Even a single week with these young people – helping them build confidence, connection, and self-belief – makes a real and lasting impact.
It’s a privilege to run for them. It’s a privilege to work with them. And it’s a privilege to help shape brighter futures.
Get in touch to find out more about how you can support the work of the Charity
Call of the Wild Development Trust CIO 