Specsavers' employee ran for North East Wales Mind
Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week (Mat 12-18), the 13-mile run took Dawn one hour and 52 minutes, raising vital funds for the charity, which supports people living with mental health challenges across Flintshire and Wrexham.
Out of 189 runners in the over-50's category, Dawn placed 14th.
Read more: North Wales riding centre 'overwhelmed' as pledge saves them from closure
Colleagues at Specsavers Flint were there to cheer Dawn on along the route and supported her fundraising efforts in the lead-up to the race day. A store bake sale raised more than £260, helping her surpass her fundraising target of £500 weeks ahead of the event.
Having faced her own mental health challenges, Dawn says running has played a big part in her journey towards recovery following a particularly difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more: Flint store to launch a new concept in pre-loved fashion
She said: "Running became a real turning point for me. It's something that helps me feel grounded and gives me a sense of purpose. Taking on this half marathon felt like a way to give something back and to raise awareness that support is out there for anyone who's struggling."
Specsavers Flint's retail director, Holly Roberts, added: "We're all incredibly proud of Dawn, both for the physical feat of completing the marathon and for her courage in sharing her story.
"She's inspired our whole team and brought the store together for a cause that affects so many. We're grateful to everyone in the community who donated or came by the store to support her."
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