What made you start out on this challenge?

Some may say it’s a midlife crisis, but I started cycling
when I turned 40, then after an altercation with a van I decided running may be safer. I’d always had an irrational dislike of longer distance running, but in 2019 I thought I’d give it a try. I can remember that first run – it was horrible. I had visions of looking like a gazelle bounding along the path, I soon realised I’m more like an elephant. I did about 300k that year slowly getting the bug and getting better.

By 2020 I set myself a goal of running 500k from April to
December after a knee op and I managed it on New Year’s Eve. I really liked having the goal to hit, so in January of 2021 I decided to run 31 days straight. I persevered through the snow and a couple of minor illnesses and injuries and then decided to do 50. Then it became 75.

As I neared 100 days, I realised I should probably put it to good use and try raise some money for charity, so the challenge was set: to do 365 runs in 2021.

Aside from the stiff legs, what have you enjoyed about your running so far?

The clarity running gives me has made me realise I probably had more dark days than I’d realised, so it’s become kind of addictive. Running every day means when I wake up I know I’ll get that rush and so I get the benefit of a positive mindset even before I’ve done the run. The challenge of doing it and the positivity I get from other people is another major factor, plus the fact it’s pushing my mental strength and obviously keeping me physically healthy.

Why are you fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society - and are
there spaces in your fundraising team for other colleagues who might want to join you on this?

My Nanna died from dementia and I know so many friends who have lost loved ones, so William Hill’s partnership with Alzheimer’s Society is a perfect way to raise money to help an amazing cause.

I’ve already managed to drag a friend into joining me three days a week. He lives down South so we get on the phone to each other and it’s a great way of catching up. My daughter Daisy and wife
Jenny have also started doing three Couch To 5k runs a week - Daisy is 10 and is now doing 10k a week. I’d love more people to get involved and it doesn’t need to be my crazy every day idea. The thing for me original was just getting out a few days a week. The only rule I’ve set myself is that i do a minimum of 3k on every run, but I guess any run or cycle or brisk walk is better than not doing it. I’m trying not to be preachy about it, but the positive effects are so good I want to encourage people to do as much as they can.

If you can spare anything then please donate. Three pence per run works out at just over £10, but there’s no minimum (or maximum!) donation - every penny will help Alzheimer’s Society to invest in research into this harrowing disease.

How can we follow your challenge? 

I’m posting updates on Twitter and Instagram so any shares, likes and RTs to spread the word are appreciated. Here are the links:

https://www.twitter.com/leephelps

https://www.instagram.com/leephelpsinstagram/

William Hill has officially launched its commitment to become the UKs leading dementia-friendly betting and gaming organisation.Dementia isnt going away two fifths of us know someone with dementia and two million people will be living with it by 2051. But too many people experience loneliness and isolation and dont have adequate support. We believe that people with dementia deserve to continue doing the things they love and stay included and involved in their communities.As part of this commitment, the William Hill Foundation has partnered with dementia charities across the globe, including Alzheimers Society in the UK. We are aiming to raise £2million in 3 years, which will be split equally between supporting local services and funding research into the disease.