Sporting Spotlight: Amy Holtby
ARU Senior Lecturer Amy Holtby recently completed the London Marathon. Here's now she got on.
Name: Amy Holtby
Staff, student, or alumni: Staff
Job title: Senior Lecturer in Equine Studies
Faculty/Service: Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences
In your own words, tell us about your sporting achievement
In April, marking the end of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, I ran the London Marathon to raise vital funds for the MS Society. I was so proud to support them, and the essential services and supports they provide for people living with MS and their families.
Being diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) can be a frightening, lonely time full of uncertainty, but the work that the MS Society does makes such a difference. Moreover, the ongoing research supported by the MS Society will continue to lead to more treatment options and therapies changing the face of MS for future generations. I really am confident and hopeful that in my lifetime, MS treatment is going to look completely different!
The theme for MS Awareness Week this year was #MSThinkAgain, which challenged the assumptions people have about what MS is like. I've been on my own MS journey, so I'm incredibly grateful for every step I run in the lead up to London. Thanks to treatments and carefully managing my health and medication that research delivered, I am well enough that I can run for those who can't.
I've been fortunate to run other marathons to raise fund and awareness, and I've seen first-hand what impact fundraising can have for researchers just like those at FutureNeuro Research Centre for Translational Brain Science.
How did the event go?
Even though it was warmer than anyone with MS would enjoy a run in(!) the atmosphere in London was so brilliant, and it felt like the whole city came out to support everyone running. Something that struck me about London that was different to other races I have run was the coming together of so many incredible stories, immense resilience, and amazing athletic performances supporting so many amazing charities. It was the very best parts of humanity.
What would you say to someone to inspire them to follow in your sporty footsteps?
I was reminded of the immense strength that we have within us, even in the most challenging times. "I don't have to do this, I get to do this" and what a huge privilege that is, can get you through the tougher moments of endurance (but any) sport!