Judith is marking her 80th year in remarkable style by completing a series of personal milestones including half marathons, multiple Park Runs and a memorable 13.5-hour train journey from Aberdeen to Penzance.
Judith, a resident at Saxon Court in Birmingham, has taken on the many physical and personal challenges this year. Her journey began in January 2024, when she attended her first Cannon Hill Parkrun in Birmingham.
Judith said: “On the first Saturday in January 2024, I went along to my first Cannon Hill Parkrun in Birmingham. At 9am I was one of about 700 enthusiasts ready to do the 5K around the park. My son suggested I join Parkrun as part of my training for the 10K event I had signed up to run in April that year.”
Judith, who now trains regularly in the gym and rises early on weekends for Parkrun events, quickly set herself a new challenge: to complete her 80th Parkrun on her 80th birthday. In April, she reached a major milestone on that journey:
Judith said: “On 19th April this year I completed my 50th Parkrun so I am well on the way.”
Her ambitions didn’t stop there. This year, Judith has also completed two 10K runs and took on the Brighton Half Marathon – 13.1 miles along the seafront – after months of dedicated training.
“I completed it in 3 hours 23 minutes and was pleased with myself,” said Judith.
“It was a warm and welcoming atmosphere and there is such a sense of achievement crossing the finishing line. I had done it and enjoyed the experience.”
Another of Judith’s most memorable experiences of her 80th year so far was an extraordinary train journey from Aberdeen to Penzance – a route that brought her past many meaningful places from her past.
“I had an amazing adventure. The journey was on the last Cross Country train doing the trip from Aberdeen to Penzance. The trip was 13.5 hours and full of memories as we passed through many of the places I have lived during my long life. Certainly, a trip down memory lane.”
Judith is looking ahead to further events, and plans to celebrate her 80th birthday in December with family and participate in the milestone 80th Parkrun near her childhood home in County Durham.
“There are exhibitions and events planned and I hope we can visit them and have a family meal to celebrate my 80th birthday.”
“I will continue to celebrate this 80th year in style, pleased I am active, enjoy a full life, able to reminisce and meet up with friends and family throughout the year.”
Lewis Wildman, Assistant Housing Manager at Saxon Court, said: “Judith is truly inspirational – she’s showing all of us what it means to live life to the full, at any age. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and she’s reminding us all of the importance of setting goals, embracing challenges and celebrating every achievement.”
Housing 21’s schemes like Saxon Court, are designed to support residents like Judith to live independently while being part of a vibrant and supportive community.
