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From family trauma to triumph for fundraising emergency nurse Asher
Some 18 months on from a family trauma which saw her take up running as a way of coping - nurse Asher Cooper is taking her new found love of competing to the next level.
The nursing associate, based in the Emergency Department at Peterborough City Hospital, took on the challenging 50km Ultra Marathon in Norwich almost a year ago.
As well as setting herself a personal goal, Asher raised over £500 for the Peterborough branch of the national ICU Steps charity - following her family's own trauma of having a loved one in intensive care.
Almost 12 months on, and Asher (from Peterborough) is taking on the Ultra Marathon again - this time with her mum, retired nurse Anglela, by her side - as part of the Serpent Trail in the South East this July
Asher said: “My dad fell ill in December 2024 and unfortunately ended up peri-arresting. He was admitted to ITU and intubated. Having the consultants sit me, my mum and my brother down and tell us to say our goodbyes was the most heartbreaking thing I've ever gone through.
“To help cope, and to stop myself staring at four walls, I started running and training became my way of managing everything emotionally while Dad was in intensive care.”
Thankfully her dad, retired paramedic Alan, recovered well - but the Cooper family have embarked on fitness and fundraising drive, with a range of 10km and half marathon events planned.
Asher - who has also improved her own health and lost five stone in weight since running - said: “Since my last Ultra Marathon, I've stayed consistent with my running and continued to build my fitness.
Alongside racing, I've been following a structured training programme that has helped me improve my endurance, pacing, and overall fitness. This has allowed me to stay disciplined with my training while continuing to develop as a runner.”
She added: “I definitely think I was bitten by the running bug. I picked it up very quickly, even though I wasn't particularly good at it to begin with, but that actually motivated me to improve.
“A big factor in my progress has been losing nearly five stone, which has made a huge difference to both my performance and how I feel when I run. I've become fitter, more confident, and able to push myself further.”
Asher said: “My mum started running with me after the London Landmarks Half Marathon last year, and it quickly became something we bonded over.
“We really look forward to our runs—not just for the fitness, but for the time spent together and the shared experience, especially enjoying the atmosphere of race days side by side.”
The duo are raising funds for ICU Steps Peterborough, a charity that supports patients and families after long stays in intensive care.
The charity not only helps patients adjust after ICU but also provides vital support for families going through the same experience.
The group meets every second Tuesday of the month at CSK Hampton Church from 10am until noon for coffee, biscuits, and a catch-up, with guest speakers who attendees better understand what happens in ICU.
Asher added: “ICU Steps is a charity that genuinely makes a difference. If it wasn't for them, I'm not sure where we would be as a family. Recovery doesn't end in hospital, it continues on the outside, and I feel privileged to be running and raising money for a cause that is so close to my heart.”
If you would like to support Asher - please visit
Pic cap:
Asher Cooper - in training for this summer's Ultra Marathon and pictured with her parents, Angela and Alan.