From Finding Her Voice to Running the Great North Run: Elsie’s Story*
*Name has been changed to protect identity.
At just nine years old, Elsie* was facing challenges that no child should have to navigate.
During a difficult period for her family, she was supported by Children North East through our domestic abuse programme and later by a dedicated support worker. At a time when she often felt unheard and overwhelmed by what was happening around her, having someone who listened and understood made a lasting difference.
Today, aged 19, Elsie is preparing to take on the Great North Run to raise funds for Children North East, helping ensure that other children and young people can access the same life-changing support she received.
Feeling Heard
Reflecting on her experience, Elsie remembers how important it was to have a safe space where she could express herself.
“Often I felt unheard and like my voice was somewhat lost within the court system. Children North East made me feel heard.”
As a child, she found it difficult to talk about what she was going through with friends her own age. Through age-appropriate support and activities, Children North East helped her make sense of complicated emotions and experiences.
“Children North East met me where I was and provided age-appropriate support, working with me through play to better understand such big, complicated, messy emotions.”
Building Confidence and Looking Forward
The support Elsie received didn’t just help her cope in the moment. It helped shape the confident young woman she is today. Over time, she developed the confidence to understand that her experiences did not define her future.
“My confidence grew and I began to see that what happened to me doesn’t have to define who I am or who I will become.”
The impact of that growth can be seen throughout her life today. Elsie has gone on to move away to university, make new friendships and embrace opportunities she once believed were beyond her reach.
“Moving away to university was something I never thought I’d have the confidence to do, but it has allowed me to make some of the best friends I could have hoped for.”
Perhaps most importantly, she learned to recognise her own strength and resilience.
“I came to recognise that I was bigger than the abuse my family and I had experienced, and that it did not define me.”
Taking on the Great North Run
Two years ago, Elsie started running with her dad. What began as an occasional hobby soon became something much more meaningful.
Running provided a mental break from the pressures of everyday life and gave her a new challenge to work towards. When she decided to sign up for the Great North Run, she knew exactly who she wanted to support.
“I wanted to support a charity who got me to where I am today and gave me the confidence within myself to take on a challenge like the Great North Run.”
Training hasn’t always been easy, but she’s already reached milestones she once thought impossible.
“Before I started training, I had never run past 5K. I’ve managed to push to 15K, which is a huge achievement for me, considering I once said I’d never run a 10K.”
For Elsie, every training run is a reminder of how far she’s come.
More Than a Race
When asked what taking on the Great North Run means to her personally, her answer perfectly captures her journey.
“It represents my growth in my own self-belief. A few years ago, I would never even have considered taking on something like the Great North Run because I wouldn’t have believed I could do it.”
Her determination, confidence and resilience have been built over many years, supported by family, friends and the organisations that stood beside her when she needed them most.
Today, she wants to help ensure other children and young people have access to that same support.
“I wanted to give back to a charity who helped me see beyond my difficult circumstances and ensure that other children get access to the same support I did when I really needed it.”
A Message of Hope
Elsie hopes her story can offer encouragement to others who may be facing difficult times.
“You are worth so much more than what you are going through, and I promise that things will get better. Be kind to yourself. Healing takes time, and there will be moments when the pain feels overwhelming and never-ending, but there is always hope. You are stronger than you realise.”
As she prepares to cross the Great North Run start line, Elsie is carrying more than a race number. She is carrying a story of courage, growth and determination, and helping to create brighter futures for children and young people across the North East.
This story has been shared with permission. Elsie’s name has been changed to protect her identity.
