A Health Centre Manager with Nottingham CityCare, the city’s largest provider of NHS community health services, is in training to run the equivalent of seven marathons in seven days.
Des Oldham plans to run almost 200 miles from coast-to-coast in October to raise money for the Footprints charity, which helps children living with mobility and communication difficulties across the East Midlands.
Des started running in 2015 and soon noticed both mental and physical health benefits. He lost more than seven stone (44kg) in his first eight months of running.
Injuries and illness forced him to put his running on hold and he didn’t start running consistently again until 2023.
“It was a real struggle. My fitness levels had fallen, and I had put back on the weight I originally lost.
“I wanted a new challenge. It frightens me, but I enjoy putting myself in uncomfortable situations.”
Since the start of 2024 he has been running consistently, has joined a new gym to build his core strength, and has focused on his diet.
“I have run almost every day of 2024, so far. It is tough to fit it in sometimes with my routine and work schedule, but I always find a way. Sometimes I use my lunch breaks to run.”
“It’s a challenge to continue my intense training, but I know I’m running for a fantastic charity. The money will help a lot of children, which is great motivation for me.”
On top of his training and work, Des also runs weekly motivational running groups in Nottingham. He uses the group to share the importance of running and urged others to give it a go. “It will be hard, but you can build gradually. Enjoy how you feel afterwards, it’s incredible. If you want something to happen, you’ll make it happen.”
To read more about Des’ story, and to donate visit:
www.justgiving.com/page/desoldham-coast2coast
Follow Des’ journey on instagram here: www.instagram.com/dodaily2020/
Date published: 8 July 2024
