Inspired to raise money to tackle Tuberculosis, student Anusha Shivji raised £1,187.50 for World Without TB.
Celebrating members of our community who are making a real difference to just causes in the healthcare sector and beyond, we spoke to Anusha Shivji, a second-year Medicine student, who completed an arduous half marathon for a fantastic cause.
How did you first find out about World Without TB?
"I was aware of World Without TB through reading an article about Professor Amina Jindani and her research work. I met her and she told me about her work where I found out she was raising money for World Without TB."
Why did you choose to raise money for them?
"I am so grateful for all the support I have received whilst studying at City St George’s. Therefore, I had always strongly considered raising money for an university based charity ‘to give back’.
"I decided this was a good cause to raise money for, as I think more research should be done into tuberculosis treatments.
"I really wanted to support the excellent research work at St George’s in some way so was happy to be fundraising!"
How did you find the half-marathon itself? Are you an experienced distance runner, or was this one of the first events of its kind that you’ve participated in?
"If you’d have told my October self I’d be running a marathon, I never would have believed you!
"I used to run 5 kilometres every so often but I properly got into running this academic year because my friend Madelaine invited me to a weekly social run with the University's athletics club (which I still attend!)
"Everyone there was so nice and Madelaine encouraged me to participate in the Brighton half. I trained for the half marathon and mostly enjoyed it, minus the days I did not want to get out of bed!
"The day itself was my favourite because there was such an amazing atmosphere of strangers cheering for their loved ones and other strangers!"
How much did you manage to raise for the charity?
"I managed to raise £1187.50. This was through talking to my friends, family and family friends. I understand that especially as students, the cost-of-living crisis has hit a lot of people hard this year. Therefore, I’m super grateful for everyone that donated, but also anyone that sent me messages of support!"
What advice would you have to anyone considering distance running for a good cause?
"My best piece of advice is to honestly train with a friend!
"I couldn’t have trained let alone completed the half marathon without my good friend Ciara. She helped me so much by talking to me on our runs as well as encouraging me to keep running. It helps if you slowly build up your distance every week and then let people know that you’re considering distance running for a good cause!"
"I also would get an app to help track your running. Personally, I really like Strava as I can add my friends onto it so we can motivate each other when needed! You can also join mini challenges which really helps with motivation (which is definitely needed on the cold, rainy days!)"
This story was originally published on the Student Hub for St George's, University of London, website in March 2024.