Debbie at the Harrow on the Hill 10k run

Debbie Beadle turned 30 this year. But rather than dreading the landmark birthday like many women, she set herself a challenge that seen her partake in 30 physical challenges since January this year. Born and raised in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Debbie has always had a passion for human rights, particularly with children, and showed this when she ran, swam and rode her way to her 30^th birthday all for a good cause. Debbie is a Youth Coordinator for ECPAT UK (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) and altogether raised over £2,000 for the charity through her 30 challenges.

What inspired you to do the 30 challenges for turning 30?

I wanted to raise money for the young people who I work with on a daily basis who are victims of child trafficking and child sex tourism. We are always thinking of ways to raise money and as my 30^th birthday was coming up, my employees said why don’t you do a running event?

Were you the sporty type before setting yourself the challenge?

I am actually quite a sporty person, but as I broke my leg in June last year whilst running, I wanted to get back into exercising and thought that the challenges would be the perfect way to do so. It was frustrating having broken my leg and not being so active and it was rather difficult getting around on the London Underground, but I began running again in January and as my birthday was in October, I knew that I only had a short time to do the challenges in.

What was the most challenging part of the experience and what was your personal highlight?

The 190km bike ride was really difficult. My friend was supposed to do it with me but she broke her collar bone which was a shame. The Bournemouth swim was a challenge too as I’m not much of a swimmer and I came second from last, but I didn’t feel too bad as the winner was a world champion! The challenge that stands out the most for me was the Three Peaks Challenge in June, which was amazing. And a personal highlight of mine was running the Rat Race in London which I dragged my brother along to do with me. We actually beat World Champion Decathlete, Dean Massey, which certainly made us feel proud!

How did you decide which challenges to take part in?

I had to fit in the 30 challenges in ten months and I wanted to end it with a marathon and it just so happened that the Amsterdam marathon was taking place on the same weekend as my 30^th birthday. In order to train myself I joined a local Triathlon club in Berkshire.

Were the challenges harder than you thought they were going to be?

Yes, definitely. The hills were tough when doing the bike rides as I’d never been much of a rider before and I would suffer from cramp a lot and the aching was not so nice! Doing the Bournemouth swim was scarier than what I’d expected as at times you would be swimming completely on your own, it felt rather strange.

Did you leave a certain amount of time in between each challenge?

Well it felt like I was rushing them at times as I had a couple of friend’s weddings over the summer as everyone seems to get married around this age. For instance, one time I had been in South Africa for work and my flight arrived back in the UK at 6.30am when I had to be in New Forest for a bike ride at 9.30am. My boyfriend picked me up from the airport and we drove straight to New Forest with my bike in tow. We arrived there just in time but the ride lasted for six hours so needless to say I was rather tired when it was over!

You’ve raised over £2,000 for ECPAT UK. How will this make a difference to the charity?

In these times of change and with the way things are financially, the money that I have raised is going to go towards a Christmas party as many of the people I work with do not have their family here in the UK and Christmas is often a hard time for them. It will give everyone a chance to have some time out and enjoy this time of year.

Debbie after the big Bournemouth swim

What do you hope for the future of ECPAT UK?

ECPAT UK is the only charity in the UK doing this type of work. We are helping the children who are brought over here illegally, most of whom don’t even want to be here. Some of them do want to go back home but unfortunately as many of them have testified to the police or escaped it can be unsafe for them to go back so they have no choice but to seek asylum here in the UK. My role as youth coordinator is one which I developed and in the future of ECPAT UK I hope we will be able to increase the youth programme and continue train social workers so that they are more aware of how to identify the children in the UK who are being mistreated in this way. For my own future, I know that I always going to campaign on this subject as it’s something that I am very passionate about and I hope we will continue to raise awareness.

How did you feel once you actually turned 30 after completing 30 challenges?

Completing the Amsterdam marathon on my 30^th birthday was amazing as all my family came over to see me run it and when I finished it, it was quite emotional.

How have the challenges changed your lifestyle?

I feel like I am addicted now! I am going to continue doing the triathlons and hope to qualify for the World Championships some time soon – amateur not professional!

Have you always wanted to be a Youth Programme Coordinator?

I have always had an interest in human rights and justice; this led me down the path of specialising in children’s rights as they are often the most marginalised group in our society. I have been working for ECPAT UK for the last 3 years. I designed and manage the Youth Programme at ECPAT UK. My role includes training professionals to identify and support child victims of trafficking, I raise awareness with children in schools and I support child victims of trafficking in the UK. This includes advocating for children to ensure they are protected and have their rights met as well as running the ECPAT UK Youth Group, a support group for child victims of trafficking who have been exploited in the UK.

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

I have masters in theatre and media for international development, using the arts to challenge and question society. I started my own company focused on drawing attention to children’s rights and empowering young people, through the arts. I noticed a part time opening at ECPAT UK and always admired them as an organisation. That part time role developed into a full time role and here I am three years later. I love my job and am passionate about making life better for children who are lost and forgotten in our society. If I had to start my life again I would choose exactly the same path.

Who helped you along the way?

I have always been very independent. I have just turned 30 and one of my closest friends organised a photo album for me. All my closest friends and family had written in it. One of the key themes that came out was my passion to change the world for the better and the fact that I have been the same person since I was a child. I am very lucky to have a lovely bunch of friends and a mother who has supported me for every crazy thing I have done in my life – I am known for the random.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired every day by the young people I work with. These are young people who have been forced into sexual exploitation, enslaved in houses for years. When they are identified they often have to face the challenging and unforgiving asylum system as they have been brought here by the people exploiting them illegally. To see them find strength, pick them up and survive to get a better life, knocks me off my feet daily. I am inspired by people who find the strength to fight for justice in our society. We are facing difficult times and it takes a lot of devotion to get the message through.

What do you think is the biggest problem in British society today and what is the most positive thing?

The biggest problem in British society is the inequality which is not made obvious. We are still ruled by a dominant elite, but mass apathy to challenge is created through a blanket of commercialism and fear. The picture is not all bad in Britain; I love and think we should embrace our multiculturalism. We have a fantastic welfare system and people who generally care for others.

Tackling the Three Peaks Challenge

Do you feel British or European?

When I am outside Europe I always call myself European, I think that’s exciting!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I love all music and as I’m currently teaching myself to play the guitar I’m listening to Jason Mraz at the moment.

What couldn’t you live without?

Open space and countryside. It is what I need to reflect on life, which everyone should do.

Dream purchase?

Membership of a triathlon club. I started last year and love it.

Favourite movie?

Amelie – it is just beautiful.

Favourite European city and why?

Ochrid, Macedonia – it has a beautiful lake, cobbled streets and bars. It is a very tranquil place and the Macedonian people are lovely. However once I had to push my friend around in a wheelchair and that was a mammoth of a task- we had such fun though and made it to the top of the town, which is a climb up a hill on cobbled, narrow streets

How do you stay motivated?

I’m ever the optimist and always bounce back from a fall.

Desert island book?

I recently finished the Poisonwood bible – thought it was amazing.

Favourite bar?

I don’t drink alcohol, so not the classic. However there is this wonderful cafe in Windsor. It sells all different kinds of hot chocolates; I had the peanut butter one this week- divine!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully I will have seen the Youth Programme flourish at ECPAT UK and personally, I will have qualified for the triathlon world championships.

Can you run in heels?

I can and would give anything a go; however I am very accident prone and broke my leg last year running and tripping over a flint in the road!

To sponsor Debbie and to find out more about her 30 challenges, visit Debbie’s Just Giving page.

At the start line, getting ready to run - just one of the 30 physical challenges Debbie has taken part in since January this year