By day, Carla Spencer is a Crisis Pathway Mental Health Practitioner based in Bedford, taking calls on the 24 hour Crisis Line. By night and at weekends, she has been in training for the Milton Keynes Half Marathon.
Her sponsorship tally is on the low side because she wanted to build up her fitness to ensure that she would finish the race. Following a practice half marathon distance at the weekend, she is confident that she can and she is now after your money!!! Support Carla and help her to bring in valuable funds to the ELFT Charity to continue supporting projects and initiatives.
Sponsor Carla now - click here
About Carla
This is only Carla's second Half Marathon. But she is an extremely fit person. Her previous focus has been on doing Triathlons: cycling, swimming and running.
She took up running during the pandemic. Starting with the Couch to 5k programme, an NHS training plan that has been a great first step for thousands of people keen to get fit. Carla was surprised at how much she loved running, and how it helped her to cope with the stress of supporting people during the pandemic and personal changes in her life too.
She said, "If you're not a runner, it's really hard to explain the feeling. You feel you've accomplished something. You get the runners high and all your endorphins are released."
Running and Mental Health Wellbeing
Carla started working in ELFT in January 2026. She heard about the ELFT Charity and saw an opportunity to promote the benefits of running on mental health wellbeing, AND raise money for a good cause.
"My story is simply of wanting to share the joy and wellbeing benefits of running, raising as much funds as possible for any of the amazing causes and charities out there who could benefit from it as much as I do."
Supporting People in Crisis
Carla's calm approach and positivity are assets when she answers calls to ELFT's 24 hour Crisis Line. She says, "When people call, they are often very low and feel they are stuck. I really want to help them to see that this is just a moment. That there is hope and that things shift and do not stay the same. I am part of a large team of people in a range of community services who are all there to support people in the difficult times and help them to get back on track. It's not just the big moments, its the small moments too."
The Milton Keynes 10k will end up in StadiumMK. If you fancy a day out with your family, go along and cheer Carla on. Find out more about the run and the course here