In her 30s, Annie Simpson experienced birth and loss - both of which have very much influenced how she approaches life today.

Desperate for a baby, Annie was told by her consultant in her mid-30s that the only treatment for her fibroids was a hysterectomy. Annie loved children, had always dreamt of becoming a mother, and the thought of infertility was devastating.

"Every time someone got pregnant, I'd get tearful and think 'why not me?' 'what have I done?' and it got to the point where I just felt my body was letting me down."

A second medical opinion gave Annie hope and after successful surgery to remove her fibroids, Annie became pregnant. However shortly after receiving the joyful news , Annie found out that her mother had terminal breast cancer. She died after a brief illness.

"My mother-in-law said that she was really worried my little boy would come out crying, as I grieved so much during my pregnancy. But if anything, it's made him strong... he's quite a strong little boy."

Life brings many challenges ...more as time passes...and how we come to terms with the painful and distressing experiences in our lives has a huge impact upon our mental and emotional well-being today.

In her early 40s, Annie started walking to be more active. A keen track and field athlete in her teens, Annie was aware that movement could help her physical and mental health. It was also to give her some "me time" from a busy life teaching and bringing up small children. Within a year, Annie decided to complete the Couch to 5k. Running on her own, Annie didn't see any other black women on the streets and connected with Sabrina Pace-Humphreys of Black Trail Runners and then Tasha Thompson of Black Girls Do Run Uk (BGDRUK), movements aimed at increasing black women's representation in running.

Within a year of taking up running, Annie completed the London Marathon and numerous other races. She is now having swimming lessons - as she never learnt as a child. This is because she wants to complete her first triathlon this year.

Dressed in bright, colourful outfits and full of kindness and encouragement, Annie has now become a mental health ambassador for BGDRUK and is using her fortysomething energy and outlook to support others. She has also started personal coaching and is aiming to complete more than 19 events this year.

"You've only got one life. Make sure you're living it for you - (whatever your age). When I turned 40, my perspective really changed revealing more to me about life. We have to be brave enough to take the first step."

Instagram: Coach_anniebee
Facebook: SweetSimpson
Linktr.ee: Coach_anniebee

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