Hft Head of Fundraising Selina to take on Bristol 10k

Selina has loved running since she was a child

A mum of two who developed a love of running as a child is taking part in the Bristol 10k to raise money for the charity she works for.

Selina Orrell, 38, Head of Fundraising for the learning disability charity Hft, will be joining thousands of others taking part in the challenge around the streets of the city next month.

It will be the second time Selina has taken part in the Bristol 10k having completed it three years ago, raising hundreds of pounds for the charity.

Selina, from East Bristol, was just a child when she discovered a love of running.

“I have run ever since I can remember,” she said.

“As a youngster I used to love athletics and swimming and used to regularly run in the woods where I lived with my parents in Kent.

“It’s just always been part of my life.”

Selina had a brief hiatus from running while at university, but restarted once her studies finished.

As well as the Bristol 10k she has completed the Brighton Marathon and taken part in many half marathons, including the London Landmarks and London Parks events.

“I’d like to do another full marathon one day,” said Selina.

“But between having two children and working full time, it’s hard finding the time in the day.”

Selina- who hopes to get around the 10k course in under an hour –  has been training for her 10k challenge by running in parks around her home in the city, including along the Greenbank Cycle Path and St George’s Park.

“I just love running,” she said.

“It’s something I do not only to keep physically fit but maintain my mental wellbeing.

“Any piece of space I can find in my week, I will be out of the door on a run. My favourite place for a run is along the river at Crews Hole.

“If I can complete the Bristol 10k in under an hour I will be super proud of myself.”

Selina, who began her journey in the adult care sector as a support worker, is encouraging others to join her on her Bristol 10k challenge.

Hft has a number of places remaining for those who would like to sign up and take part

Each place costs just £10, with runners encouraged to raise £150 in sponsorship.

“The Bristol 10k is a super run around a great route with a real buzz around the event,” said Selina.

“But it would be fabulous to have some running buddies to enjoy the journey with me and raise money for Hft.

“General spaces have now sold out so I am urging anyone who has missed out and is keen to do the Bristol 10k to sign up for one of our charity places.

“It’s a great way to spend a Sunday morning while raising money for an incredible cause at the same time.”

For Selina, the charity, which has its head office in Bristol, will be at the forefront of her mind as she makes her way around the city on May 11.

“Every day I see the incredible work Hft does to support learning disabled adults to live their best lives possible,” she said.

“And every penny raised will continue to allow us to continue to do that work and make a real difference to the people we support.”

The Bristol 10k is on May 11. The route takes in some of the city’s best known landmarks and scenery from the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge to the famous Avon Gorge.

Anyone who wants to secure a place for the 2025 event while raising money for Hft can find out more at Great Bristol 10K 2025 – Hft.