The Accidental Athlete: Why I’m Running a Half Marathon for Mersey Cares

Fundraiser in Focus - Robert Kelly

How one impulsive decision led to a life transformation

Twelve months ago, Robert Kelly, was standing in Liverpool City Centre, waiting for his niece to sing at the Cathedral. Having arrived incredibly early to avoid any public transport delays, he found himself sitting in a McDonald's, watching swathes of runners stream past for that morning’s Liverpool Half Marathon.

“The atmosphere was electric. It was just so good! I thought, I want to do be a part of this next year."

Without much further thought, Robert  impulsively signed up to the Liverpool Half 2026 on the spot. "I went straight to the website and and paid for it, right away," Robert laughs.

Then reality set in. Someone asked him, "You do realise how difficult that’ll be, don't you?"

“I had a moment of realisation over what I’d done. I'd lost three stone through Slimming World, but my main exercise was walking the dogs—nothing intense like running. I wasn't particularly fit at the time.”

The Journey to 13.1 Miles

Eager to support his impulsive decision, Robert’s sister put him in touch with a local Facebook running group. He started with a technique called "Jeffing"—a structured method of 30 seconds of running followed by 30 seconds of walking to increase endurance, reduce injury and manage fatigue. 

“We’d do that for an hour, slowly building up my stamina. From there, I graduated to social runs, then to my first Parkrun, and eventually to the longer runs I've built up over the year. I'm quite confident with it now—I love it! Today, my Parkrun personal best is 21 minutes and 25 seconds, which I’m told is quite good!”

A Transformative Experience

For Robert, the journey has been about more than just physical fitness. As a former ward manager who now works in secure services, Robert sees the impact of mental health challenges every day.

“Running has become the best way I know to clear my head after a stressful day. It’s been completely transformative.”

Beyond the mental health benefits, Robert credits his local running club, for keeping him motivated. He encourages anyone thinking of taking up the sport to find a local group.

“The running community is lovely; they’re so friendly and inclusive. On our social runs, we ‘look back,’ so if anyone is at a slower pace, nobody gets left behind. We go for meals for birthdays, and I’m in several WhatsApp groups with people I’ve met. When you don’t feel like putting your trainers on, you get that encouragement. You might not feel like doing it, but once you're there, we all have a good laugh.”

Feeling quietly confident

Ahead of the event, Robert was feeling a quiet sense of confidence, knowing that he's trained consistently and built up his distance across the year.

“I've reached the full distance twice over the last few weeks,” he says. “I’ve taken it a little easier in the run-up because I’m scared of picking up an injury, but I’m ready. I wouldn't have dreamt I'd be able to run the way I can now. I didn't think I'd enjoy it, but I really do. You just want to get out and do it because it makes you feel great afterward—though the best part of a run is always finishing it!”

Running for Mersey Cares

Robert wanted to support Mersey Cares, as he says the work the Trust’s charity does to support Mental Health and community services is close to his heart.

“Having worked on the front lines of healthcare and now in procurement for Mersey Care, I know the vital work these services do. I wanted to support them so they can help even more people who rely on them.”

The Big Day: Completing the Liverpool Half

One year on, Robert realised his ambition and completed the distance raising an incredible £425 for to support mental health services across Mersey Care.

“The Liverpool Half Marathon experience was absolutely electric, it was incredible,” he said. “The whole city was buzzing. It was so nice to really take in how beautiful Liverpool is while running the course.

“It was tough being my first half marathon, but I loved every second of it. My aim was to finish in under two hours, so I’m thrilled with my time of 1 hour 42 minutes!”

And he’s already looking ahead to next year -- which of course, he has already registered to.

“I can’t wait for next year now — I’m aiming for 1 hour 30. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me. I raised over £400 for Mersey Care.”

Huge thank you Robert and all of our other Mersey Care runners

We'd just like to say a huge thank-you to Robert and to all of our other Liverpool Half Marathon runners. Together they raised an £1,300 to support our services.  Thank you to every single person who donated and offered support throughout the event. You are really supporting us to make such a difference across Cheshire and Merseyside.