Sporting spotlight: Charlie Moules
Child and Mental Health Nursing student Charlie tells us about running the Chelmsford Half Marathon in memory of his nan, who passed away from dementia in 2024.
Name: Charlie Moules
Staff, student, or alumni: Student
Course: Nursing (Child and Mental Health)
Faculty/Service: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care
In your own words, tell us about your sporting achievement or upcoming challenge.
Around 18 months ago we found out my nan had dementia. Suddenly everything about her changed, and after a while she began to struggle more and more. Unfortunately she passed away on 7 August 2024, peacefully in hospital.
She was one of my favourite people, so l decided to take on the Chelmsford Half Marathon in her memory. She was the strongest, kindest and funniest woman I knew.
I decided to try and raise money for Dementia UK, a charity providing specialist support for families affected by dementia through its network of Admiral Nurses. They provide practical advice, emotional support and guidance to improve quality of life. Their helpline, consultations and resources help people manage the challenges of dementia, and through my nan's life they helped me understand what she was going through and how I could help her.
They also aim to raise awareness of dementia, and advocate for better healthcare policies and services for those affected by dementia.
Despite the risk of not being able to run the race due to placement, I managed to do it!
How did it go?
On Sunday 2 December I ran the half marathon and smashed all my PBs, hitting 10km in 61 minutes and the half marathon in two hours and nine minutes. I have managed to raise £210 for Dementia UK.
It wasn’t easy – there were times I wanted to give up and throw in the towel, but I knew I had some fuel left and despite the sore legs, feet, and whole body, I managed to push through to the end.
The last 3km was the hardest thing I had ever done. Whilst coming along the bunny walk, another runner fell over, and I helped him up and we crossed the finish together, which was an amazing experience! Everything in my body was telling me to stop, but I knew why I was doing this and I knew I was so so close.
The route was amazing and the supporters were exceptional, shouting and clapping for all of us even though they didn’t know us. Crossing the finish line was superb and slightly emotional – it was the weirdest mix of emotions.
What would you say to someone to inspire them to follow in your sporty footsteps?
The pain is worth the feeling of achieving your goal.