When This Girl Can first launched a decade ago, it wasn’t just another campaign about fitness or sport. It was a bold, unapologetic celebration of women moving their bodies, breaking down barriers, and reclaiming confidence in spaces where they’d often felt invisible or judged. Looking back now, it’s clear that This Girl Can have done more than inspire—it’s sparked a movement that continues to ripple through communities across the UK, touching lives in deeply personal ways. One such story is that of Sacha Lumley, a passionate runner and advocate who embodies the spirit of this campaign.

The Power of a Movement: What This Girl Can Means

When I think about This Girl Can, what stands out is its refusal to sugarcoat the realities women face when it comes to fitness. It acknowledges the sweat, the self-doubt, the juggling of life’s demands, and the courage it takes to lace up your trainers anyway. The campaign’s 10-year anniversary is a reminder of how far we’ve come but also how vital it is to keep pushing for inclusivity and representation in sports.

Sacha Lumley, a trustee for Black Girls Do Run UK and a fitness coach is a perfect example of this ongoing journey. Through her work with the Sacha Lumley running group and as an ambassador for Female Fitness Inspiration UK, she’s helped create safe, welcoming spaces where women—especially women of color—can find community and strength through running.

Breaking Barriers: Black Girls Do Run UK and Inclusive Fitness

The story of Black Girls Do Run UK is intertwined with the This Girl Can ethos. Founded in 2019 by Tasha Thompson and supported by leaders like Sacha Lumley, this running group challenges stereotypes about who belongs in sport. It’s more than just a running club; it’s a family that nurtures friendship, health, and empowerment for black women across London and beyond.

What makes this so powerful is the way it tackles overcoming barriers to fitness head-on. For many women, especially those juggling motherhood, work, or managing mental health challenges like postnatal depression, finding time and space to exercise can feel impossible. Groups like these, supported by National Lottery women’s sport funding and Sport England women’s fitness initiatives, are changing that narrative by making fitness accessible and relevant to diverse experiences.

Sacha Lumley’s Journey: From Struggle to Strength

I’ve followed Sacha’s journey for a while, and what strikes me is her authenticity. She’s not just a runner or coach; she’s someone who understands the emotional layers behind getting active. During the first Covid lockdown, Sacha shared how much she missed the community and support of group running—something many of us can relate to. It’s more than exercise; it’s connection, motivation, and mental well-being.

Her story reminds me that fitness isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It’s messy, personal, and sometimes fraught with setbacks. But with the right support, like that found in inclusive women’s fitness campaigns and groups such as Black Girls Do Run UK, women can find their rhythm and reclaim their health on their own terms.

Why Representation Matters in Women’s Sport UK

Representation isn’t just about seeing someone who looks like you on a poster. It’s about feeling seen in the spaces you occupy. For many black women and other underrepresented groups, sport and fitness haven’t always felt welcoming. Campaigns like This Girl Can and organizations like Black Girls Do Run UK are vital because they shift the narrative from exclusion to empowerment.

Sacha’s leadership role in these spaces highlights how important it is to have role models who reflect the diversity of women’s experiences. When you see someone who shares your background thriving in sport, it sparks something inside—a belief that you can do it, too.

The Impact of Funding and Support

Behind the scenes, the role of National Lottery women’s sport funding , a, nd Sport England women’s fitness programs cannot be overstated. These investments have helped grassroots initiatives grow, making fitness more accessible and inclusive. They’ve enabled groups like Sacha’s running community to flourish, providing resources for coaching, events, and outreach that reach women who might otherwise be left out.

This kind of support is crucial for sustaining momentum and ensuring that the progress made over the last ten years continues well into the future.

Looking Forward: What the Next Ten Years Could Hold

As This Girl Can celebrate its 10-year anniversary, it’s worth reflecting on what’s next. The campaign has shown us the power of visibility, community, and honest storytelling. But there’s still work to do—especially in reaching women who face the greatest barriers to fitness, whether due to race, socioeconomic status, or mental health challenges.

Sacha Lumley and her peers in the female fitness inspiration UK scene are leading the way, showing that fitness is not just about performance but about belonging, healing, and joy. Their work reminds us that when women support women, incredible things happen.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Campaign

At its heart, This Girl Can is about more than just exercise. It’s about reclaiming agency, celebrating strength in all its forms, and building communities where every woman feels she belongs. Sacha Lumley’s story and the vibrant community of Black Girls Do Run UK exemplify this beautifully.

If there’s one thing to take away from ten years of This Girl Can, it’s that the journey to fitness is deeply personal but never solitary. With campaigns, funding, and groups committed to inclusivity, women across the UK are finding their stride—and the best is yet to come.