On Saturday 21st September 2024, Faye accomplished an incredible feat, completing an 80-mile run from Whitby Beach to Pool Bridge Farm in York.
This journey was not just about physical endurance; it was a heartfelt tribute to her best friend, Steph Ives Stevens who passed away in November 2023. Faye undertook the run to raise awareness for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition that had a profound impact on Steph’s life, and one that affects many women without adequate attention or research.
Faye, who is the director of Domestic Goddess, a trusted local cleaning service and an advertiser in THAT LEEDS MAG, set out to honour Steph’s memory through this challenge. The loss of Steph devastated Faye – she received the call no one wants to hear on 8th November 2023, with the words “she’s gone” shaking her world. Since then, Faye has been navigating her own grief while finding ways to keep Steph’s legacy alive.
Steph was a remarkable force, always outspoken about her struggles with mental health and particularly with PMDD, a severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) that disrupts the lives of 3-8% of menstruating women. Despite facing her own battles, Steph refused to suffer in silence. She openly discussed the condition and undertook challenges like a 30-day wild swimming challenge and even an ice mile swim to raise awareness for PMDD.
“PMDD is like building a sandcastle of good habits and positive mood, then twice a month watching it get swept away, leaving depression, anger, and hopelessness.”
Steph
he lack of research and education around PMDD was something that Steph found deeply frustrating, and she dedicated herself to breaking the stigma surrounding it. After Steph’s passing, Faye took it upon herself to continue this mission. Six weeks ago, she committed to running 80 miles in Steph’s honour to raise awareness about the condition.
For Faye, the challenge was daunting. Though she had completed the Leeds Marathon earlier this year, 80 miles in one go was an entirely different test. The route was symbolic – starting from Whitby Beach, reflecting Steph’s love for water, and ending at Pool Bridge Farm in York, one of Steph’s favourite places to swim and find peace. The journey was not only physically gruelling but also emotionally charged, as Faye reflected on her deep friendship with Steph every step of the way.
Unlike a traditional marathon, there were no cheering crowds, no official finish lines, and no medals waiting at the end. It was simply Faye, her friend Stuart Franks, and 80 miles of road and trail, pushing through fatigue and fear. Running through the night, without sleep, Faye had only 24 hours to complete the challenge. It was a personal and independent endeavour, a testament to Faye’s commitment to both her friend and the cause.
As Faye crossed the finish line at Pool Bridge Farm, she not only completed an extraordinary physical challenge but also took a significant step toward raising awareness for PMDD. Her effort has sparked important conversations about women’s health and the impact of PMDD, bringing attention to an often-overlooked condition.
PMDD affects women in profound ways, disrupting their mental and emotional well-being. Despite this, research and education around the disorder remain inadequate. By taking on this massive challenge, Faye has ensured that Steph’s voice, and the voices of countless women affected by PMDD, continue to be heard. She hopes that her run will inspire others to support more research and start conversations about this critical issue.
As the director of Domestic Goddess, a company that has always valued community connections, Faye is using her platform to make a difference. She encourages anyone who can to follow her journey, share her story, and contribute to raising awareness about PMDD. Faye’s run is more than a tribute to a lost friend; it’s a powerful journey from grief to grit, a call to action to fight for better research, support, and understanding for women dealing with this condition. Let’s keep talking. Let’s raise awareness. Let’s ensure that the legacy of Steph and the mission Faye has taken up continues to inspire change for women everywhere.
