Interview with Jasmin Paris MBE and Teresa Jennings, CEO of Brathay Trust
Brathay Trust, the youth charity known for transforming lives through outdoor learning and personal development, has announced record-breaking fell and ultra-distance runner, Jasmin Paris MBE, as its newest Patron.
One of the most accomplished endurance runners in the world, Jasmin is known for constantly pushing the limits of long-distance running. In January 2019, she won the Montane Spine Race, breaking the course record by an astonishing 12 hours. Then, in March 2024, she became the first woman ever to complete the Barkley Marathons in Tennessee, widely regarded as the toughest ultramarathon in the world and finished by only 20 runners in 35 years.
In this role, one of the things she will support the charity’s flagship fundraising event, the Brathay 10in10 —10 marathons in 10 days held around Windermere each May. Participants will be running ten marathons over ten consecutive days around Lake Windermere. The event is the world’s first official ultra-marathon series of its kind and will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Outside running, Jasmin is a proud mother of three, a small-animal vet and a research scientist. She was awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to fell and long-distance running. Inspiring young people and giving them the chance to shine is something she’s truly passionate about.
Following in the footsteps of legendary fell runner Joss Naylor, Jasmin brings her energy, determination, and record-breaking experience to the role. She will champion the 10in10 and help ensure the event continues to challenge and inspire, raising vital funds to support youth development.
Teresa Jennings, Chief Executive of Brathay Trust, said “We’re thrilled to welcome Jasmin as a Patron. Her incredible achievements in fell and ultra-distance running sends an inspiring message to young people to believe in their strengths and realise their potential. As Brathay celebrates its 80th anniversary and the 20th edition of the Brathay 10in10, this is a perfect time to welcome Jasmin to our community and help inspire the next generation.”
Jasmin Paris, said “I am delighted and honoured to become a Brathay patron. I am passionate about providing opportunities for young people to explore their potential and thrive, and to experience the wonder and joy of the natural world.”
About Brathay Trust
Brathay Trust is a youth charity with national reach that supports over 7000 young people each year to build their brighter futures. Founded in 1946, it delivers transformative outdoor learning experiences in the heart of the Lake District National Park and works closely with young people in their communities, providing targeted support in partnership with families and statutory agencies.
For more information, visit www.brathay.org.uk.
We had the opportunity to Interview Teresa Jennings and Jasmin Paris to talk about her new assignment. You can read below our fantastic conversation about youth work, inspiration, and the power of the outdoors.
Introducing the Brathay Trust
Antonio Codina:
Jasmin Paris needs no introduction for our readers, but many may not be familiar with the Brathay Trust. Teresa, could you give us an overview of who you are and what you do?
Teresa Jennings:
Our purpose — our mantra, really — is to inspire young people to build a brighter future. Each year we support around 7,000 young people aged between 5 and 30, working with them from early childhood right through education and into early careers.
We do this in two main ways. First, we have a 23‑acre estate in the Lake District National Park, where we bring young people from across the UK — and sometimes internationally — for outdoor residential experiences. These focus on confidence, teamwork, resilience, and helping young people unlock their potential.
We use the outdoors as a catalyst for conversation and growth. Activities include gill scrambling, rock climbing, rowing on Lake Windermere in our historic whaler boats, and other outdoor challenges. These activities help young people talk about the struggles they face and develop belief in themselves.
Alongside this, we also deliver year‑round community‑based programmes in Bradford and the South Lakes. Our community teams work closely with young people, their families, schools, local authorities, and the NHS. This work is often more intensive — what I’d describe as gritty youth‑work outreach — and is sometimes combined with a residential stay in Ambleside, which is a really powerful combination.
We also support young people into work, focusing on skills, learning and career pathways. Combined, these programmes allow us to support the 7,000 young people I mentioned.
Why Jasmin Paris Chose to Get Involved
Antonio Codina:
Jasmin, you’re incredibly busy professionally and personally. What made you want to collaborate with the Brathay Trust?
Jasmin Paris:
I’m very aware of how privileged my childhood was. I had a lot of support at home and spent huge amounts of time outdoors. I grew up on the edge of the Peak District and spent summers hiking, playing in the woods, running around barefoot — that kind of idyllic childhood. I also had a great education and very supportive parents.
I know that’s not the reality for many children and young people.
I never set out to be well‑known, but running has given me a platform — and while that sometimes feels overwhelming, I want to use it for something positive. Supporting young people and helping give them opportunities like the ones I had feels incredibly important to me.
I also feel very lucky that my story has inspired people. It’s a huge privilege to be able to inspire others, and I’m equally inspired by hearing people’s stories in return. That idea of inspiration — helping people believe in themselves and grasp opportunities — sits right at the heart of what Brathay does.
And finally, I have my own children now. That really changes how you think about the future. You become invested not just in your own kids, but in the next generation as a whole — and Brathay aligns perfectly with that.
What Will Jasmin Be Involved In?
Antonio Codina:
Teresa, what kind of role will Jasmin have as a patron?
Teresa Jennings:
We’re incredibly lucky to have a community of patrons, and Jasmin is one of ten individuals who’ve agreed to take on that role. One of our ambassadors is Fatima Whitbread, former world‑record javelin thrower, who grew up in care and now campaigns nationally for change in the care system. Given that we do a lot of work with care‑experienced young people, that shared connection is incredibly powerful.
We’re absolutely thrilled to have Jasmin on board. She is undeniably inspirational — not only because of what she’s achieved, but because she’s done it as a woman in a male‑dominated world. Her story, her humility, and her determination resonate strongly with young people.
The first major event Jasmin will be involved in is our flagship fundraiser, 10in10.
The 10 in 10 Challenge
Teresa Jennings:
The 10 in 10 is one of the first events of its kind. It involves 10 laps of Lake Windermere over 10 consecutive days — the equivalent of running a marathon every day. We host around 20–30 ultra‑runners each year.
The event raises over £100,000 annually, which is vital for us as a charity. But it’s also deeply inspirational. Local schools line the route; children give high‑fives to runners; families get involved. There’s a huge sense of energy and joy.
Jasmin will be there to meet the runners, hear their stories, and hand out medals as they finish their final lap. Her presence really elevates the experience — for runners and for us — and continues the legacy of Joss Naylor, who was a long‑standing Brathay patron and supporter of this event.
Antonio Codina:
Who can take part in 10 in 10? Is it open to everyone?
Teresa Jennings:
Because it’s such an extreme endurance challenge, we have an application and selection process. Applications for 2027 will open shortly after this year’s May event.
We have one‑to‑one conversations with applicants to understand their motivation, preparation, and experience. We want people to succeed. The event is very well supported — with physiotherapists from the University of Cumbria, nutritionists, and a full support team. It’s a stewarded programme, not a “sign up and hope for the best” challenge.
Jasmin’s Racing Plans and Fundraising
Antonio Codina:
Jasmin, do you have races planned this year that could support Brathay?
Jasmin Paris:
Yes — I’m running the London Marathon in April, the West Highland Way Race in June, and the Swiss Alps 100 (170 km) in August, which is a Hardrock qualifier.
I often give talks and get asked to nominate a charity for donations, so it’ll be great to have Brathay as the organisation I support going forward. It feels like a very natural fit.
Continuing Joss Naylor’s Legacy
Antonio Codina:
Does it feel special to follow in Joss Naylor’s footsteps as a Brathay patron?
Jasmin Paris:
Very much so. That’s how I first became aware of Brathay — through Joss.
At heart, I’m a fell runner, and always will be. That community is my home. Joss epitomised everything fell running stands for: no ego, warmth, generosity, and time for everyone. He was an extraordinary runner, but he was also incredibly kind.
I remember him offering advice at races — everything from nutrition tips to letting stones “bed in” in your shoes on descents. He inspired me deeply. Knowing he supported Brathay instinctively made me more open to it, and continuing that legacy feels like a privilege.
The Power of Outdoor Challenge
Antonio Codina:
Teresa, do you see real transformation in young people during residentials?
Teresa Jennings:
Absolutely. I’ll give you one example. We took a group of 14–15‑year‑olds from a deprived area in Cumbria gill scrambling. On the minibus there was lots of bravado. But during the activity, those masks dropped.
One young lad stayed at the back helping others — including me — up each step. Others joined in to support him. By the end, their confidence had grown, the bravado had disappeared, and they were just being kind, supportive young people.
That sense of achievement stays with them. Many young people have never even seen Lake Windermere — some haven’t seen sheep. The outdoors can be life‑changing.
Final Reflections
Jasmin Paris:
There are two more things I wanted to add regarding our conversation on nature. First, I’m incredibly passionate about protecting our natural world for the next generation. I truly believe that to protect something, you have to know it first. As the saying goes, you have to know it to love it, and love it to protect it. Like Teresa said, if a young person has never seen the hills or spent time in the woods, they aren’t going to fight for them. We need to equip the next generation with those experiences so they feel a genuine desire to look after the world around them.
Secondly, I’ve realized that my ultra-running experiences—like the Barkley Marathons—mirror what these young people go through with the Trust. Every time I do one of these events, I push myself into that ‘unsure’ territory where I’m truly stretching my limits. When you come out the other side, you’re almost a different person. It has nothing to do with prizes or accolades; it’s something deep inside. Knowing what I fought through on that last loop gives me a confidence that lasts forever. It’s not just confidence for the next run—it’s confidence for life. Even a one-week residential trip can give a young person that same belief: ‘I’ve done this, and I can do it again.’ It can truly change a life.
See Also
Interview With Lazarus Lake and Author Jared Beasley
← Back to Issue Ultrarunning World Magazine 41 Overview
