A thoughtful university student, from Bromsgrove, has gone the extra distance for Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity, after running a half-marathon and raising over £420. 

24-year-old Emme Trenchard-Mole laced up her trainers to take on the Sheffield Half Marathon, an event she’s seen pass by the University of Sheffield every year since she began studying architecture there six years ago. Now in her final year, Emme decided it was her turn to give it a go. 

With her sights on the notoriously hilly route, Emme upped her training and mentioned the challenge to her mum, Grace. Supportive as always, Grace became Emme’s biggest motivator and suggested that she used the race as an opportunity to raise money. Grace suggested Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity, which is the chosen charity at the law firm she works for in Birmingham, but by happy coincidence, Emme was also born at the hospital. 

Emme was sold on the choice and set about collecting donations for the hospital that brought her into the world, asking her family for support to reach her £150 target. She also shared her fundraising page on her Instagram account and even found support from other runners using the Strava app, where she tracked her runs. She couldn’t believe how many other runners donated, helping to smash her target, and some even shared their own experiences at the hospital. 

The race took place on Mother’s Day, which felt appropriate to Emme having been inspired by her own mum, and especially as Birmingham Women’s Hospital has the biggest single site maternity unit in the UK, delivering approximately 8,000 babies every year. She couldn’t help but think of all the new mums who would be giving birth on the day. 

Even though Emme never quite reached the full 13.1 mile half-marathon distance during her training, the buzz and atmosphere of the crowd on the day gave her the push she needed. Emme completed the race in one hour and 43 minutes, running faster than ever before and beating her personal best.  

Emme said: “I started running in 2019 and always watched in awe as the half marathon runners whizzed past but as I entered my final year of university, it occurred to me that this was my last chance to give it a go and I’m so glad I did! 

“It wasn’t easy but I’m so proud of myself for finishing with such a good time and raising nearly triple my target for such a wonderful charity.” 

Miranda Williams, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity, said: “There’s a beautiful symmetry to Emme’s challenge taking place on Mother’s Day to help so many of our own mothers. Our hospital is one of only two dedicated women’s hospitals in the UK, so we’re hugely grateful to Emme for wearing our purple heart running vest with pride as she ran to represent us in another city.  

“The incredible funds she raised will go on to help us continue supporting the women, babies and families in our care.”