Brathay 10in10 Fundraiser Recognised for CSR Impact
Maria Masters has been awarded the NRL Corporate Social Responsibility Award in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts through running!
A member of this year’s Brathay 10in10 team, Maria first completed the tough challenge in 2022—and hasn’t stopped since, taking on countless marathons and ultra-marathons. With just a month to go until she’s back on the start line, we caught up with Maria to hear more about the award and what’s driving her to take on the 10in10 once again.
What is your role at NRL and how long have you been part of the team?
I joined NRL in 2017 and will complete 8 year service in April. I am employed as a Finance Assistant in the Wigan office.
How did it feel to be recognised with NRL’s CSR Award, and what does this achievement mean to you?
I was overwhelmed to be presented with the newly created NRL Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) award at the 2024 Christmas Conference. It was a proud and unexpected recognition of my work outside of the office for worthwhile charity and community support projects, including the Brathay Trust.
How else has your workplace supported you in participating in events like the 10in10?
The company has pledged a monetary donation to my fundraiser and they have helped me to promote my JustGiving page in the quarterly company newsletter. They have also granted me two charity days towards the time I need to take off to run the 10in10 and many of my colleagues have provided encouragement and support and made donations to my fundraising activities.
What inspired you to take on the challenge of the 10in10 in 2022 and motivated you to sign up again for 2025?
When I ran the 10in10 in 2022 I was a complete novice, having only ran 1 marathon (the 2021 Brathay Windermere Marathon) and even by the time of lining up on the start line I only had 3 full marathons under my belt. I am probably the most novice runner ever to take part in the 10in10 and did it because of the fantastic work that the charity does, coupled with the opportunity to push myself beyond my physical and mental limits in aid of that great cause in a place that I love and call home. I have always been drawn back to the 10in10, as a supporter in 2023 and 2024 and it was inevitable that I would be drawn back to run it again myself.
Do you have a specific fundraising goal in mind for the 10in10 in 2025?
When I ran the 10in10 in 2022 I raised £5,701 and I was blown away by the generosity of my family, friends, colleagues and neighbours in raising such an amount of money. Times are much harder for many people these days, but I am really pleased that with 1 month to go before the event starts I am already at £3,325. If I can get close to or beat my total from 2022 I will be very happy.
What advice will you be giving your fellow 10in10 2025 team members who have not done it before?
It is a cliché, but I would definitely say to take it one day at a time. Each day will throw different challenges at you – physical, mental and emotional. Start each day fresh, let the fantastic support team look after you and pace yourself. Most importantly, embrace the experience. Running is often a solitary pastime, but allow yourself to feel part of the team, and give and draw strength and support from each other. I have made friends for life during the 2022 event and I hope the class of 2025 can do the same.
Discover more about Maria's Brathay 10in10 journey, as well as her fellow teammates at: https://www.brathaychallenges.com/brathay-10in10-2025-team/
