Racing for recovery: Elsa celebrates 10K achievement at Mersey Cares Grand National fundraiser!
15 December 2025
Assistant Practitioner in the ICRAS Central and South Urgent Therapy Team wanted to 'give back' for maternal mental health support she received for PTSD following traumatic birth
On a rain-drenched Sunday in December, Elsa Buckley, Assistant Practitioner in the ICRAS Central and South Urgent Therapy Team, proudly crossed the finish line at the world-famous Aintree Racecourse, home of the Grand National, completing her first-ever 10K run! The challenge marked a personal milestone and a heartfelt way to 'give back'.
Elsa took on the 10K to raise funds for Mersey Cares inspired by the care and maternal mental health support she received from the Silver Birch service, following the difficult birth of her daughter and subsequent diagnosis of PTSD. She credits the team with playing a vital role in her recovery, helping her navigate a challenging time as a new mother, with compassion and expertise.
Ahead of the event, Elsa shared:
"Participating in (and hopefully completing!) this event will be a massive achievement for me. I'll be running on behalf of Mersey Cares, the Mersey Care NHS Foundation Charity, set up to serve the health needs of local communities. As a previous recipient of excellent maternal mental health support from Silver Birch (part of the Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust) following the birth of my daughter Sybil - I can say the work that they do lies close to my heart."
Supporting recovery with running
As part of her recovery journey, Elsa discovered that running became a powerful tool to support her mental health. It helped her manage the pressures that come with parenting, providing space to clear her mind and build resilience. What started as a coping strategy, became her way to give back and fundraise to support others who are also facing challenging circumstances.
The following year, a twist of fate saw Elsa join Mersey Care as a staff member, and through regular newsletter updates and the charity’s Impact Report, she gained a deeper understanding of the difference Mersey Care is making across Cheshire and Merseyside, supporting service users, patients and the staff who care for them. Inspired by our impact stories of positive and life-enhancing change, Elsa wanted channel her experiences into a fundraising challenge, to ‘give back’ and help others across the region accessing specialist, mental health and community support.
"Having read the Mersey Cares impact report I was so impressed by the initiatives Mersey Cares have provided that enhance the lives of people in my local community. I hope my funds can go a small way to helping your continue the important work you do."
A step up to support others
While last year Elsa completed the Aintree 5K as a personal goal to support her recovery, this year she set her sights higher—taking on the 10K distance for the very first time in support of others.
"Having a goal to focus on is such a tonic for my mental health, with exercise now forming part of my self-care routine and giving me a release from the stresses of everyday life of juggling parenting and work."
Before race day, the furthest she had ever run was 8K, but she believed adrenaline and determination would carry her through. And it did! Elsa not only completed the event but also surpassed her fundraising target, raising an amazing £270 for Mersey Care services.
Speaking after the event she said:
"Running round in the freezing and pouring rain, feet drenched and covered in mud, I couldn't help but have a big smile on my face. Though the conditions were tough, adrenaline kicked in and I completed the 10K in 1 hour 13 minutes. My daughter is my inspiration, and I'm so grateful to all the services, friends and family who not only have supported me in my fundraising endeavour, but who have also enabled me to embrace motherhood and find joy in the little things in life."
If you'd like to support her achievement with a donation, her fundraising page is still open.
