OUR head architect Richard Wood has shed more than a stone in weight by training for his first run in over 15 years.
Richard has exceeded 60 training runs as he limbers up for this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run – his first run since he completed the world famous half marathon in 2007.
He signed up for the event to raise money for our nominated charity for 2023, Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust, which supports disabled children and adults to improve their health and wellbeing through the creative freedom of music.
Richard said: “I saw this as an opportunity to raise money for a wonderful charity which makes such a huge difference to the lives of people with a disability, encouraging them to be creative and boosting their confidence levels.
“I’m definitely not a natural runner and haven’t laced up my running shoes since my first Great North Run 16 years ago, so it has definitely been a challenge but one I’ve really enjoyed and I’m seeing some huge benefits from all the training.
“I’m close to clocking up 300 miles spread over 60 runs – and around 60 hours in all weathers – and I’ve lost more than a stone in weight, so I feel fitter if not necessarily quicker.
“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Great North Run again to see if I can beat my time from 2007 but the real goal is to raise as much money as possible for such a worthwhile charity like Sunbeams.”
Richard will be joined on the start line by his colleagues Nina Smith, a chartered accountant, and Jack Smith, a trainee quantity surveyor, who are both also raising money for Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust.
Anybody wishing to support Richard can donate at https://greatnorthrun2023.enthuse.com/pf/richard-wood-f8a3d.