Runner Profile: Linda Cassidy
Thank you for the nomination Adele, although I am sure you could have found someone more worthy.
I moved from Motherwell in Scotland with my Mum + 4 siblings aged 17 to Felixstowe in 1980 where I found it extremely hard to settle to the point that I moved back to Motherwell a few months later, reinstated back in my old job which was short lived. I was soon back in Felixstowe with my tail between my legs. Not wanting to live in either place, I took myself off to Australia where I lived and worked for a year (missed living there permanently by one day; just wasn’t meant to be). Settled back in Felixstowe, have been ever since. I have 2 daughters Jess 30 who is the VP of auditing Barclays Bank Canary Wharf London, Elle 27 who is currently travelling / working for 2 years in Canada… very proud Mum indeed. I Live with my partner of 7 years Jeremy Clipstone who recently joined FRR, in March 2025 we got engaged.
I do feel a bit of a fraud as I don’t really class myself as a runner, cycling was my discipline. These days I do what I can to keep fit and healthy also involves a few sessions at the gym and Pilates.
Those who know me are aware of my cycling accidents which I hastened to add not my fault, in the wrong place at the wrong time, without going into the details: –
I have endured fractured skull / cheek bones, broken eye sockets, jaw broken in 3 places also broken fingers – that was accident no 1.
Accident no 2 just as I had recovered from 1 – Easy Peasy in comparison – cracked collar bone (right).
Accident no 3 – ankle broken (left) in 3 places also broken collar bone (left).
As you imagine I have accumulated quite a bit of metal work along the way, in fact it has been suggested when I pop my clogs I should be disposed at the nearest scrap yard! Charming 😊
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, in 2019 had major surgery to both my arteries. 2018 I was diagnosed with Iliac Endofibrosis which was caused by cycling, more recognized with professional cyclists e.g. Marianne Vos, for a second, I was flattered to be in that category. Over a long period of time my arteries became blocked then damaged beyond repair, unfortunately when you start to get symptoms it’s too late the damage is done. In May 2019 had my first bypass done on my left leg followed by my right one Nov 19. Was advised to curtail my cycling (thought nothing of going out and doing 100 miles in a day – now usually 100ish a week). These days I usually only overindulge when I go on my cycling holiday to Mallorca once a year, oh maybe sometimes I get carried away on my turbo.
Fortunately, I have done all the cycling events… Ride 100 (called the prudential when I done it in 2014) also Dunwich Dynamo to name a few. Have no desire to do any more big events, I am aware of my limitations.
As I cannot cycle as much as would have liked to, I decided to rejoin FRR (was briefly a member many years ago). Since I’ve been back I have accomplished the following achievements – 2024 Colchester Relay – FRR ladies came 1st in age cat 60 – also came 1st lady. 2025 we came second – I came 2nd female, the next day I ran the Bromley 10k – came 1st in age cat. When I have done the park runs have also been 1st in my age cat 60 for females, just recently came 1st female over the line in Holland (there was only 26 of us). I know this is nothing in comparison in what most of you have achieved, (little fish in a big pond). In a nutshell, I have had more broken bones than achievements 😊
I don’t really put myself forward to do many races, maybe I should push myself a little bit more. At present I just enjoy doing what I can also the company of FRR predominantly day sessions, great club to be part of, met so many lovely people also the social side has been fun.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile, I now nominate :- A fellow Scotswoman 😊 Sharon Dean
