written for Julie Runacre and Karen Lanceley
The picture below (which is Karen first and Julie second) was the inspiration for this entire exhibition. The contest we entered as a team was the first time since before both of my kids were born that I felt confident enough to put myself into a highly competitive situation.
Both of these women are aspiration points for me, for vastly differing reasons. What they all share is a joy in working hard and what that then does for their own mental and physical health. It is an absolute pleasure to know them both, and I hope this friendship lasts for many years to come.
Sometimes, you simply need someone to let you be what you are capable of being, and nothing more, to make lasting and fulfilling progress.
KJS
that it was the hardest thing of all
and simultaneously something
I had trained for
months had imagined
for years had dreamed about
for the longest time I’d not felt
a part of anything there was no
belonging and the day I knew
it broke my heart was when
I asked you both could we be three
that liberation was not winning
that you gave me motivation
that self-belief I proudly own
and now forever this will be an
acceptance of what teamwork forms
Poem copyright S. Reeson © 2026
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