David Albans, a 64-year old running enthusiast, will be taking part in the 12 hour endurance marathon The Big School Run at Worksop College on Saturday 27th August to fundraise for St Barnabas Hospice and as a way to thank the charity for supporting a number of his close friends and their families in their hour of need.
The Hospice is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is asking supporters to take up challenges with a theme around the number 40 to help raise funds. David is also celebrating an important anniversary this year, as he married his wife Kathleen 40 years ago.
David will be attempting to run for an incredible 12 hours between 7am – 7pm around the 5km circuit at Worksop College, and his goal is to run 40km, or even 40 miles if he can!
David says: “I have never done anything like this before and my longest ever run has been a half-marathon which is 21 kilometres.
“I am running to support St Barnabas Hospice’s work in helping those who need it, which recently has included some of my close friends and their families. I have witnessed what an amazing difference their support makes at a time of great difficulty for people. I know that if and when my family need it, St Barnabas will be there for us too.
“I started running in my 50’s and at the beginning I couldn’t go 200 metres without having to stop to catch my breath. I now love the challenge that distance running offers; testing both the mind and the body.
“I like being able to achieve what many people of my age wouldn’t even consider, and I would advise those of any age who are considering giving running a go, to just to start doing it regularly and this will help your progress.
“Last October I took part in the Lincoln 10K in support of St Barnabas, and though it was a very wet day, it was fantastic. The St Barnabas team gave me a lot of support, including providing me with high quality running tops with their logo, advising me how to raise funds, and being very encouraging all the way through. They were there to greet me at the finish line with smiles, congratulations and a goodie bag, which was very much appreciated. It definitely makes me feel like part of the St Barnabas team.”
To donate to David’s fundraiser, find his JustGiving page here.
In 1982 St Barnabas Hospice started from very humble beginnings with three nurses, with a vision to improve end of life care in Lincolnshire and has grown to become one of the region’s biggest charities supporting more than 10,500 people each year.
If you are inspired to host your own ’40 for 40’ event in support of St Barnabas Hospice, take a look on the website here for inspiration. Simply choose one of the themed activities or come up with your own 40-themed challenge to help raise money to support the charity’s great work.