“Why I Run for Jigsaw” – Venetia Quick’s story of love, loss, and legacy

When Venetia Quick laces up her runners, she’s not just preparing for another marathon. She’s stepping into a story of resilience, remembrance, and hope.  

A story that began with heartbreak and has grown into a powerful mission to support young people’s mental health through Jigsaw. 

“Seven years ago, my husband Martin died from cancer,” Venetia shares. “I wanted to set something up in his name, sort of for, I think for the kids… to keep his name alive.” 

Martin had worked in nightclubs for years, and after his passing, Venetia and her children launched a tribute event called Strictly Handbag, named after one of his clubs. “We did that for two years and that was great. But then the COVID happened.” 

That’s when Venetia turned to running.

Venetia Quick – Running Prep

“The whole running thing was sort of an accident,” she laughs. “I was asked would I do the women’s mini marathon… I was like, I can’t run, but I’ll do it at sure. It’s 10k, I’ll walk it, it’s grand. But then see I get a little bit competitive with myself.” 

She started with a couch-to-5K approach and gradually built up. “I found the whole running thing was very therapeutic. I found sort of time outside that I could just clear my head. I tried to just block out everything.” 

Running became more than a personal outlet, it became a way to give back. Venetia decided to raise funds for Jigsaw, Ireland’s leading youth mental health charity.  

She established the Martin Thomas Trust in association with Jigsaw. “It was just nice to be able to have something every year that we could do a fundraiser for the charity.” 

Even her children got involved. “They sold rice crispy buns at rugby matches and outside the house and stuff to raise a few quid.  If something comes up, it’s nice for them to be able to say, ‘I can raise money for my dad’s charity’.” 

Venetia’s first marathon was during lockdown. “My first marathon I did in five kilometre loops. It was repetitive, but because it was my first one, I didn’t really know what to expect anyway.” 

Despite the challenges, she found joy in the shared experience. “What was nice about it though is… you knew the other people that were doing it along the route… everyone sort of gave waves and because it was I five kilometre loops, you kept passing the same people all over and over again.” 

As the marathons became in-person again, Venetia embraced the full experience. “It’s a very emotional day… you learn a lot about yourself because I always see it as the first sort of 30 kilometres you run with your legs, the last 10, you’re definitely running with your head.” 

Her connection to Jigsaw deepened over time. “Around the time that [Martin] died, one of my children… had a few issues surrounding anxiety and mental health… at a later date he was diagnosed with… autism and ADHD. So actually, now it means it’s more important than ever.” 

She’s become a passionate advocate for early intervention. “If they have one person they can talk to or somebody they can go to in school that not only makes their lives better, but everybody around them.” 

Venetia believes in the power of community action. “I think everybody should try. We all have the ability to do something to make the world a little better. To do your bit or give back.” 

And she’s clear about the impact of supporting Jigsaw. “You are going to literally change a child’s life. If you don’t change five kids’ lives, you’re definitely changing one kid’s life. 

“Ask yourself, what if it was my child that needed help? What if it was your niece or nephew, you know? What if it was your younger self? It’s a no brainer.” 

For Venetia, running is more than a sport it’s a tribute, a therapy, and a tool for change. “If you’re gonna go and run a marathon, you know, why not raise the money at the same time?”

Feeling inspired by Venetia’s story?

If you too are inspired to Run for Jigsaw, please visit www.jigsaw.ie/fundraise or email fundraising@jigsaw.ie