COURAGEOUS Tracy Berry is conquering a phobia that left her a prisoner in her own home for six years.
The mum-of-five suffers acute anxiety but this year she has decided to tackle it by forcing herself to undertake a series of running challenges.
"I'd already missed out on a lot of things, such as trips out and parents evenings. I went to one of my children's birthday parties but I only lasted five minutes before I had to return home. That's why I was determined to do something about it."
At the beginning of this year Tracy, 37, of Sutcliffe Street, Halliwell, wrote a list of five runs that she resolved to complete across 2019. She's called it her Anxiety Challenge.
"About three years ago my partner, Mark, began running to lose weight. I sometimes managed to psyche myself up to go and watch him.
"When he set up a running group called One Foot on the Track I decided to join. I discovered that running really helped my mental state and it helps me to control my anxiety.
"At my worst I used to cry and shake but the running has meant a hell of a lot to me. It's allowed me to prove to myself that I have courage."
Tracy's next run - Muddy Maniacs - takes place on April 28 and is a 5k.
As well as helping herself, she has decided to help other people benefit from her bravery.
"I'm asking people to sponsor me or make donations to Bolton Hospice via www.facebook.com/Berrykindbunch. I chose that in memory of my old nursery teacher, Mrs Egan, who spent time there."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel