A Harrogate mum has raised more than £2,400 for a charity supporting people with a rare skin condition after taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon.
Helen Stroud, 38, who works at Hookstone Dental Care in Harrogate, was one of six women from across the UK to run the 13.1-mile race on Sunday (12th April) on behalf of Caring Matters Now.
The group took part to mark the launch of the charity’s #BareYourBirthmark campaign, which aims to raise awareness of Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN) and promote greater acceptance of visible differences.
For the first time publicly, Helen chose to reveal her birthmarks while running, wearing a backless top and shorts.
CMN is a rare condition that can cause large, dark birthmarks and may require ongoing medical care.
Helen said:
“I have always been very self-conscious about my birthmarks. My CMN covers my entire back, with many smaller marks across my face and limbs.
"As a child and young adult, I underwent numerous operations and experimental treatments, but I didn’t meet another person with CMN until I was 31, when I found Caring Matters Now, which has been life-changing.
“Running the half-marathon was a huge challenge, but doing it in a backless top and shorts to show my rare birthmarks in public for the first time made it even more meaningful.”
Helen, who had not previously run further than 10 kilometres, completed the course alongside five other women from the charity’s community, who all chose to make their birthmarks visible during the event.
The six runners collectively raised more than £9,000, with funds set to support Caring Matters Now’s work, including family support services and research into treatments.
Jodi Whitehouse, CEO of Caring Matters Now, said:
“This campaign sends a clear message: confidence doesn’t come from unmarked skin — it comes from loving the skin you’re in.
“The bravery of the team has not only helped raise vital funds but has also inspired conversations and encouraged others to feel confident in their own skin.”
Johnny Stroud, principal at Hookstone Dental Care, said:
“Everyone at Hookstone Dental Care is incredibly proud of Helen and the funds that she has raised for Caring Matters Now.
“We look forward to supporting the charity with more fundraising activities later in the year. ”
Helen added:
“This wasn’t just a run. It was about showing that we don’t have to hide.
“If sharing my story helps even just one person feel more confident about their skin, then it was all worth it.”
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