Student Combines Athletic Challenge with Mental Health Advocacy
Isabelle Beckett, a BA(Hons) Illustration student at Falmouth University, recently completed an extraordinary 50-mile ultra marathon along Cornwall’s rugged coastline to support The Women’s Centre Cornwall. Her athletic feat represents more than physical endurance – it’s a powerful statement about mental health awareness and trauma recovery.
Support Isabelle’s fundraiser for The Women’s Centre Cornwall
Turning Personal Struggle into Community Support
Isabelle’s motivation stems from her own experience with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), developed after unresolved trauma from a sexual assault. “My condition manifested because my body needed to feel safe,” Isabelle explains. “I wasn’t equipped with the right tools to get help when I needed it most.”
The Women’s Centre Cornwall provides critical mental health services that Isabelle wishes she’d known about earlier. “Young women need to know help exists, even when they’re away from home as students,” she emphasizes. The charity offers walk-in support where women can “pop in for coffee and talk” about next steps.
The Ultra Marathon Challenge
Isabelle’s 50-mile route spanned from Helford to Kynance Cove and back, chosen for its proximity to Falmouth in case her FND symptoms (including temporary paralysis and blindness) required medical attention. Despite these challenges, she completed rigorous training:
- Regular 20-mile preparation runs
- Previous ultra marathon experience (40 miles at age 17)
- Careful route planning around support access points
Learn more about The Women’s Centre Cornwall’s services
Creative Study as Mental Health Support
Isabelle credits her Illustration studies at Falmouth with significantly improving her mental health. “To say I’m in love with my course is an understatement,” she shares. “Creativity has been there for me when nothing else has.”
Key benefits she’s experienced:
- Using personal experiences in coursework to process trauma
- Finding peace through creative absorption during difficult times
- Developing confidence in her capabilities through artistic challenges
Why Falmouth Supports Whole-Person Development
Isabelle chose Falmouth University for its unique combination of creative environment and natural setting. “The nature surrounding campus and creative atmosphere drew me in,” she notes. This holistic approach to student wellbeing manifests through:
- Specialist mental health support services
- Course structures accommodating health needs
- Creative community fostering self-expression
Explore Falmouth’s Illustration programme
Creating Impact Through Personal Action
Isabelle’s story demonstrates how individual initiative can drive social change. Her ultra marathon achievement highlights:
- The importance of accessible mental health resources
- How creative education supports emotional wellbeing
- Student potential to create meaningful community impact
As Isabelle continues her recovery journey, she hopes her actions will help others avoid similar struggles. “If I’d known about these services earlier, my path might have been different,” she reflects. “No one should feel their trauma isn’t ‘big enough’ for support.”
Follow Isabelle’s ongoing journey on Instagram
Discover how Falmouth’s creative programmes support student wellbeing
