Beginning Running
Rating (187)
Jasmine
by Inga Hass
The true marathoner!
The first race I entered was the Flora women’s 5K race in Hyde Park. I pushed my daughter Jasmine round in her wheelchair. We were raising money for Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice. They have been a big help and support to us as a family. Jasmine is 14 years old and is severely disabled; she is unable to do anything for herself. She cannot talk, and now she can’t even eat and is fed through a tube in her tummy. She has chronic lung disease and gets frequent chest infections and has had many operations in her short life. It took us an hour to finish that race. I did try and jog/run, but I hadn’t run properly since school. We both got a medal at the end and raised quite a bit of money for the hospice too. Then last September I decided to start training for the Flora London Marathon 2006. So far my daughter’s life had been one long marathon, and she was my inspiration to do it. I said to her: “If you can survive all you have been through then I can run 26.2 miles, and I am going to dedicate this race to you.” I subscribed to Runner’s World and looked forward to my magazine in the post. I followed their training schedule from the weekly e-mails they sent to me. The training was hard as I have three other children, Genevieve, 16; Natasha 13; and Lucas who is 13 months. Nights can be hectic with Lucas waking up and also if Jasmine is ill. My husband, Vaughan, works very long hours but he has been the best husband ever in supporting me. Genevieve and Natasha have been great too, patiently listening to me going on about training, injury and the marathon when I must have bored them silly. I decided to enter a 10K race in Battersea and was pleased when it took me 53 mins. I then did the Silverstone half marathon and finished in 2:13. I was learning all the running terminology and now know that Fartlek doesn’t mean too many baked beans! The day before the London Marathon I packed Jasmine’s bag and took her to the Hospice, as she was staying there until the Tuesday, giving me time to recover post-race. I told her that I was going to bring back that medal to add to her collection. I was running for Whizz-Kidz, and it had been quite difficult fundraising with family demands and training. Whizz-Kidz had helped Jasmine when she was younger by providing her with a wheelchair and I wanted to return the favour. It was the day of the Flora London Marathon and I was running with my friend, Jon. We had been training together and had tolerated cold winter runs on dark nights when all you would rather do is put your feet up in front of the TV. I had my name on my running vest and the crowd gave me plenty of encouragement; they were amazing. I saw my family at mile 17 and gave them all a kiss, doing my best to look strong, even though I was wilting a bit! At mile 20 it was tough, all I could think was - this is nothing compared to what my daughter has endured, I can get through this, nothing’s impossible if you have the right mental attitude. Then there was the Mall in all its shining glory. When I crossed the finish line I felt fantastic. On Tuesday I picked Jasmine up from the Hospice and I put the medal around her neck. She was the true marathoner! I have now joined the North Herts Road Runners, so that I can improve my fitness and speed. In November I will be running the New York Marathon for Help the Hospices. It’s amazing to think that Jasmine can inspire so many people in life without saying a word or taking a single step!
Read next story
overall
|
in this category
Post a Comment
More Top Stories
Inspiration by category
Top rated
Share Your Story
Click here to add your inspirational story to our growing collection.
Comments
Inga you are a stronger person than I could ever be!!
Nigel Vance-Lousada Thursday, May 25, 2006 08:18:36 PM
Inga. We are very proud of all you have done and all you continue to do. You are truly amazing! Love and God bless. Caroline, Graham, Charlie , harry and Rosie xx
Caroline Moore Thursday, May 25, 2006 09:11:26 PM
Hi Inga, you have done amazingly, congrdulations. You are an inspiration.Love Helen xx
Helen Enoch-Brown Friday, May 26, 2006 11:24:51 AM
Inga, Just seen this and am very proud off you. I hope this inspires people to run. You're a strong person with a big heart, keep up the running and all the best for NY!
Jonathan Bailes Saturday, May 27, 2006 12:11:21 PM
Well Done Inga, xx
Alx Solutions Sunday, May 28, 2006 10:13:21 PM
well done Inga! xxx You are an inspiration to us all. Congrats!!
Jo Grimshaw Monday, May 29, 2006 11:56:52 AM
WEll Done Inga. You Are AMAZING!!!!
Lucy Pinkstone Monday, May 29, 2006 12:33:33 PM
IBURST INTO TEARS WHEN I SAW THIS- YOU ARE A WONDERFULL WOMAN Inga. I wish you all the best for everything you do in the future. Love to Jasminexx
Cynthia Stephens Monday, May 29, 2006 12:35:11 PM
Your Great Inga!! Well Done Jasmine Is Gone Through Tough Times! But You Allways Seem To Be 100%!! Love
Rose Barton Monday, May 29, 2006 07:56:25 PM
Well Done, Girls!! XX
Lana Monday, May 29, 2006 11:46:22 PM
Inga i have always told you that you are completely bonkers!! But what an inspiration, How do you manage to do all these things and look after your family??Your an AMAZING woman!! Love to all especially Jasmine x
Caron Coxshall Tuesday, May 30, 2006 08:31:42 AM
Well done mum! I know how hard it is for you and I know that you do your best to look after Jasmine Im really proud of you Love you loads Luv gen xxx
Genevieve Hass Tuesday, May 30, 2006 09:05:51 AM
Well done Mum! I know it is very hard for you looking after me Gen Lucas and Jasmine and I am very proud of the time you got in the marathon. You are the best mum in the world and I love you. XxX
Natasha Hass Tuesday, May 30, 2006 12:02:25 PM
You and your daughter are amazing!!!!
Amanda Wilson-Tawn Tuesday, May 30, 2006 12:54:46 PM
Inga, what a truly inspirational story, Keep up the great work, Vici
Vici Richardson Tuesday, May 30, 2006 01:54:55 PM
What a mum!!! xxxxx
Claire Locke Tuesday, May 30, 2006 07:38:31 PM
Hello Jasmine - congratulations - you have a wonderful Mum and we support you and her in everything that you do. We hope that she will do really well in the New York Marathon and bring you back another medal. Lots and lots of love Auntie Myrtle and Uncle Trevor
Myrtle Reilly Tuesday, May 30, 2006 07:54:20 PM
What a splendid report and well done Inga. Jasmine certainly is an inspiration to us all. God has his plans for her.
Frances Aldridge Wednesday, May 31, 2006 11:01:16 AM
well done inga you are such an amazing person and work so hard to look after the kids and juggle everyday life i look up to you, and love jas to pieces loads of love char xxx
Char C Wednesday, May 31, 2006 04:50:41 PM
What an inspiration you are to all who know you. We met at Clive's wedding and we hear about your family and how Jasmin is doing, from Myrtle. Good luck in New York.
EILEEN BAXTER Wednesday, May 31, 2006 10:24:32 PM
What an inspiring story of courage, determination and real, unselfish love. Thank you for sharing it with us
Ralph Baxter Wednesday, May 31, 2006 10:28:26 PM
Such a lovely, inspiring report you are a wonderfully strong person well done!
Maria Raphael Thursday, June 01, 2006 08:20:10 AM
Such an inspirational story, Inga - good luck with the training for New York - you deserve every success in the world - hopefully see you there Dede X
Dede Thursday, June 01, 2006 03:34:10 PM
Inga, what a fantastic accomplishment! Our "special" children teach us many things in life.They edify, enlighten and inspire and then pass on the torch to us to do the same for others. You have truly done that. May many who read your story be uplifted ,edified and inspired to be able to accomlish anything... and endure anything. love Jade,Tom Thomas,HENI, Katie and Benjaminxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jade Biesinger Thursday, June 01, 2006 03:35:26 PM
Well done Inga an amazing story from an amazing lady!!!!
Adrian Murphy Thursday, June 01, 2006 05:25:33 PM
I was amazed to hear that you were training for the Marathon and pleased to hear you had realised your goal. Your story is very moving, even more so for the fact that I have had the pleasure of meeting all of your other children but never quite realised how severely disabled Jasmine is and what an inspiration she must be for your family. Good luck in New York!
Nina King Thursday, June 01, 2006 09:23:33 PM
Inga ... i read 'Jasmine' last night ... i was overwhelmed but wanted to sleep on it ... so giving me time to come up with a worthy response/comment ... i'm at a loss ... it was beautiful for so many reasons and so are you. take care gyzelle.
Gyzelle Harper Friday, June 02, 2006 09:23:28 AM
What spirit - congratulations and best wishes to you, Inga and Jasmine.
Clive Reilly Friday, June 02, 2006 12:37:52 PM
Hi Inga I work for the company that supplies Jasmine with feed and talk to Inga every month. What a fantastic story!!
Christine Hedges Friday, June 02, 2006 03:07:35 PM
Looks like your daughters strength comes from her mother. Your children are very lucky
Melanei Wharton Friday, June 02, 2006 05:00:03 PM
What a lift your story gave me at a time when I am comming to terms with my own health problems. You are inspirational. It is a pleasure knowing you and your family.
Al Wilson Friday, June 02, 2006 07:59:14 PM
your story is fabulose it was a plesure to read it
Jessica Harper Friday, June 02, 2006 09:41:32 PM
well done.You are truley a great mum. good luck for the New york marathon.
Moyra Pierce Saturday, June 03, 2006 05:37:22 PM
WOW Inga. Your story brought tears to my eyes! You ARE amazing. Well done. Love from Norah Ashwood.
Norah Ashwood Sunday, June 04, 2006 12:18:18 PM
What a fantastic story inspirational.You are an angel the world needs more people like you God bless Jenny Bradbury
Jenny Bradbury Sunday, June 04, 2006 04:10:06 PM
Well done on the London marathon Inga and the very best of luck in NY. Bring back another medal for your lovely daughter. Love Mary Cousins (Heath)
Mary Heath Sunday, June 04, 2006 08:19:55 PM
Hi Inga, read your article on Friday night, just wanted to say what a lovely story, you have done so well and been through so much! - I wish you all the luck in the world. Jacqueline & Millie x
Jacqueline Johnson Sunday, June 04, 2006 09:27:29 PM
Well done Inga and Jasmine.Your story will inspire lot's of other,s.Very best of luck in N.Y.love Diane Hammond.
Diane Hammond Sunday, June 04, 2006 11:21:04 PM
A wonderful story Inga, Many thanks for sharing it with us. Jasmine is beautiful. Good luck in all your future runs .
Gisela Bell Monday, June 05, 2006 12:23:35 AM
Congratulations on everything you have achieved so far , you are a remarkable family and i am sure an inspiration to lots of people. Good luck with the next marathon.
Jacqui Shepherd Monday, June 05, 2006 01:17:14 PM
Well Done Inga. You should be very proud of yourself. You have a lovely family and they are a credit to you and Vaughan. Jasmine is a very special young Lady and she is lucky to have such a wonderful dedicated Family. PS I will sponsor you for the New York Marathon.
Jean Gray Monday, June 05, 2006 01:34:37 PM
Jasmin is such a special girl and so is her mum. Lots of love.
Pauline Rees Monday, June 05, 2006 03:25:05 PM
Wow what an inspiring story! I was close to tears when I read it!Well done with everything you have achieved and good luck for the future, to all of you. What a beautiful and awe inspiring family. x
Emma Carbery Monday, June 05, 2006 03:33:43 PM
well done inga...truely a winner,both of you .good luck with the new york marathon
Maggie Spindler Monday, June 05, 2006 04:11:55 PM
Fantastic, Inga, You are an inspiration to us all who know and love Jasmine. Wish I had your stamina.
Freda Westcott Tuesday, June 06, 2006 12:45:44 PM
Inga, your love and spirit shine to all who know you. Jasmine is a special daughter in your special family. Much love and luck for your New York marathon. xx
Dee Clarke Tuesday, June 06, 2006 07:41:45 PM
Dear Inga, I don't know you but think you must be such a strong and wonderful person. I have read lots of the stoies and yours is the best.I wish you luck and happiness and especially hope you win 1st prize and spend it just on YOU. x
Sara Clever Wednesday, June 07, 2006 04:23:02 PM
Congrats, well done maybe I will see you in NY.
Jillian Reilly-Stevens Thursday, June 08, 2006 03:26:24 AM
Inga you are an amazing person with a wonderful family, I wish you luck in N.Y. You & Jasmin are both winners.
Teresa Gibbs Thursday, June 08, 2006 08:12:51 AM
So lovely that your beautiful daughter inspired you to take up this fantastic sport. My daughter inspired me to run too. This is a lovely story. I wish you lots of good luck with your running and much peace to your family.
Kaz Thursday, June 08, 2006 03:52:41 PM
Inga, Gyzelle gave me the link to your wonderful story - what an inspiratation both you and Jasmine are to us all. Good luck with everything! Cara Smith
Cara Smith Friday, June 09, 2006 11:54:59 AM
Words cannot describe the admiration I feel for you Inga. Your love for Jasmine and dedication are an example to us all. May all your dreams come true.
Annalisa Conway Friday, June 09, 2006 09:46:18 PM
Hi Inga, such a beautiful inspirational story,so much courage and determination from both you and Jasmine. You are both winners. Good Luck for N.Y.XX
Marion Yeeles Saturday, June 10, 2006 04:35:19 PM
Well done Inga! Jasmine must be so proud of you and comfprted to know that she has such a dedicated and wonderful Mum. Good luck in New York. Trevor & Daeng Vance
Trevor & Daeng Vance Monday, June 19, 2006 08:07:40 AM
Inga We are honoured to have met you and your family 2 years ago and your work and devotion to your family is an inspiration to all. Love from Roy & Phen
Roy Matthews Monday, June 19, 2006 08:44:51 AM
Your story is the best. Wish you well. You have coped with lots of life struggles and you've shown the world you can survive anything. Your family are lucky to have you. I work in IT and all my friends and colleagues are going to vote for you. Best wishes for a wonderful life
Tobias Funke Wednesday, June 21, 2006 10:44:19 AM
Well done Inga...We are very proud of you Love Karen and Ruby XX
Karen Quilter Wednesday, June 21, 2006 03:41:46 PM
We have known you Jasmine and the family for a few years. Since my daughter has resently suffered a cronic illness it brings it home to my family how brave and courageous you have been. Keep going with all the training and i wish you all well.
Julie White Wednesday, June 21, 2006 06:52:21 PM
Thank you for your wonderful and inspiring story Inga. Your courage and resolve is truly remarkable and an example to us all. Good luck in NYC. Keith, Maryke, Alexander & Maartje
Keith Reilly Friday, June 23, 2006 11:25:55 PM
Hi Inga. Your story is inspirational. Like you I ran in London this year and am also doing New York. There is a little community of New York who are supporting each other through writing training blogs at www.realbuzz.com why not check them out and if you the inclination join us. If not thanks for such an inspirational account and best of luck on November 5th.
Jon Aston Tuesday, July 04, 2006 11:21:20 PM
What a beautiful story. Good luck with the NY marathon x Lots of love community childrens nurses
Sarah Warmington Thursday, July 06, 2006 10:02:35 AM
A beautiful story and a real inspiration. All the best for your future runs
Andrew Bailes Friday, August 25, 2006 05:43:49 PM
What a fantastic girl!! We are so proud of you, with loads of love Mum, Barry and the Cheshire family. xxxx
Carl Cheshire Saturday, September 16, 2006 11:12:17 PM
Inga you are a real inspiration and I was extremely touched by your story. Well done on your past running achievements and good luck for New York. Ashley xx
Ashley Rider Monday, October 23, 2006 10:34:53 AM
Inga Total respect and a truly inspirational story. It will stay with me in the marathon and will drive me on when the going gets tough. See you in New York xx
Martin Formstone Sunday, October 29, 2006 03:35:13 PM
I would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement.I am running the New York Marathon on Sunday. The comments on 'inspired to run' have been fantastic and will be with me when I am running and things get tough. Also the other stories on here are truly inspirational. The one thing we all have in common is that we enjoy running and have discovered it through events and changes in our lives. Many thanks to you all.
Inga Hass Wednesday, November 01, 2006 10:06:33 AM
Hello gen's mum. its rosalia. Gen's friend. how are you? i just want to say that you have clearly been an inspiration to us all with all your hard work with the New York marathon and also looking after Jasmine. I just want to congratulate you. Lots of love rosalia xxxxx
Rosalia Lazzara Monday, December 11, 2006 12:06:12 PM
Just got round to reading "Jasmine" & its still amazes me what you are able to do. You are a remarkable family.Hope you are all well. Love Davina, Adrian & Alexander Foster
Davina Foster Tuesday, April 10, 2007 06:31:14 PM
heloooo well done gens mum!!! xxxxxxx
Caraa L Wednesday, June 27, 2007 01:12:00 PM
An inspirational story, beautifully written - good luck in the NY Marathon. (Loved the 'Fartlek' part) ;-) Best wishes to you and your family.
Liz Hardman Friday, May 16, 2008 08:20:33 PM