Welfare Officers – Nigel Hillier and Vicky Elston

We are keen to ensure our club offers support and guidance to all of our members, and as an affiliated club we are following the guidance set out by England Athletics by having a male and female welfare officer.

However regardless of gender members can contact whichever welfare office they are most comfortable with in confidence regarding any issues or concerns.

Contact email - [email protected]

Read more about the role of our welfare officers on the Club welfare page.

Nigel

I joined Barrow Runners in 2003 in his late 40s, admittedly being a bit of a latecomer to running, I had always watched the London Marathon on TV and said, like many people, one day I would love to run that. Well 18 marathons later (4x London ) as well as a few major European capitals, Paris being my very first marathon and one virtual marathon (London 2020), I think I have found my vocation.

It was however the welcoming and friendly nature of the club, running in groups with other runners, on road in the winter, off road in the summer, the races 5k,10k, half marathons, 5,7 and 10 mile races along with the trips abroad, to races with the club, the cross country (mud) and the social side that have made this my running family no 2. Running family no 1 is my wife Ann, daughters Kirsty and Gemma and son in law Lewis who are also Runners, triathletes, and an Iron woman.

I was club Secretary for a number of years before moving to my current role as one of the club Welfare Officers and also was a regular pacer of the 7.30-8.00 minute mile Tuesday night run group until I retired (from pacing). Competing against other runners in the Leicestershire Road Running league and the Derby Runner XC leagues are some of the highlights along with all the new friends you meet along the way.

Contact Nigel: [email protected]

Vicky

Hello all! I have taken over the role of Welfare Officer for Barrow Runners from Lorraine Toll. For those who do not know me, my name is Vicky Elston.

Being club Welfare Officer means that I am a source of contact if anything is bothering or concerning you regarding wellbeing and welfare. I will listen to your concerns and support you where possible, or signpost you in the right direction.

To clarify, I am not an expert on mental health, but I am a qualified professional development coach which holds some key cross-over skills. I'm used to holding confidential conversations, listening to others, being supportive and knowing when external support / intervention is required.

As welfare officer it is my duty to undertake the England Athletics welfare officer training and I am working my way through this at present.

If you need to contact me, you now know who I am and that I am here for you. However, if you would feel more comfortable discussing initial matters with another committee member then it is important that you do this, and then know any matters regarding intervention will be transferred to me in confidence.

Contact Vicky: [email protected]