Doncaster mum Michelle Yates is preparing to take on her first half marathon to raise money for the neonatal team who cared for her daughter, Erin.
Michelle, a teacher who lives in Doncaster with her husband and their two children, Elliot, three, and baby Erin, will run the Sherwood Pines Half Marathon in March 2027 in aid of our Mini Marvels Appeal.
Erin was born at Doncaster Royal Infirmary in April and spent her first six days receiving care in the neonatal unit.
For Michelle and her family, the kindness they experienced during those six days has stayed with them.
“The care she received was nothing short of amazing,” Michelle said.
“It was a stressful time, but looking back on it we won’t remember that; we’ll remember how wonderfully nurturing, patient and generous every member of staff was to us.
“Our stay there was thankfully short, but many families rely on this care for weeks or months. We want to give something back.”
Michelle decided to make running her fundraising challenge after Erin was born, giving her an opportunity to rebuild her fitness while also finding some time for herself as she adjusted to life as a family of four.
“If you know me at all, you’ll know I’m not a ‘natural runner’,” she said.
“I started my preparation with the Couch to 5K programme and initially found it hard to run for even 60 seconds at a time, but I’m determined to give the final run a bloody good shot, and I’m improving week by week.”
Since beginning Couch to 5K in May, Michelle’s training has gone from strength to strength.
She completed her first 5K in June, followed by her first parkrun and first 10K in July. More recently, she has achieved a sub-27:30 5K and a sub-60-minute 10K.
There are plenty more miles ahead before March too, with Michelle planning to take on the Halloween 10K at Doncaster Airport, the Doncaster City 10K and a 5K at Yorkshire Wildlife Park as part of her training.
And her fundraising is progressing just as brilliantly.
Michelle originally hoped to raise £500 for the Mini Marvels Appeal but has already surpassed that target, and is now aiming for £750.
“Massive thanks to everyone who has sponsored me so far,” she said.
“I’ve made more progress with my running than I thought possible, secured more sponsorship than I was expecting, and the whole process has helped me to keep my sanity – for the most part! – even when in the postpartum trenches. It feels great.”
Michelle hopes her experience might also encourage somebody else to take on their own challenge for DBTH Charity.
“I’d certainly recommend it,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be something you already know you can do.”
On 14th March 2027, Michelle will put all those months of training into practice as she takes on 13.1 miles at Sherwood Pines.
She added: “I’ll be nervous. I know I have the option to walk sections if I need to, but I’m determined to run the whole distance.
“This is because of a combination of stubbornness and a wish to do my absolute best for myself, for the incredible team in the neonatal unit, and for the generous supporters of this campaign.”
We’re incredibly grateful to Michelle for choosing to give back to the team who cared for Erin and for taking on such a brilliant challenge for our Mini Marvels Appeal!