CONGRATULATIONS to Nick Williams, Head of Economics and Teacher of Business Studies at King’s Ely Senior, who has conquered his ‘Run 5 Kilometres for 50 Days’ challenge and raised more than £3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society!
Nick decided to take on the gruelling challenge of running 5 kilometres for 50 consecutive days to raise as much money as he could for the charity as his father, Tudor, was diagnosed with dementia five years ago, something which Nick says has had a heart-breaking impact on his family.
Father-of-two Nick finished his fiftieth 5 kilometre run on Sunday (May 16th) and says he is overwhelmed to have raised £3,486 in donations.
He said: “When I started my challenge I had no idea how physically and emotionally challenging it would be. The huge positives have been the tremendous support I have received from people. Support ranging from ‘well done, keep going’ to people talking intimately about their family and their experience of Dementia/Alzheimer’s. The sponsorship has been greater than what I could ever have hoped for.
“On a personal front, I have become far fitter and have lost 10 kilograms in weight. The runs have also given me that rare thing of I-time. Time when I am alone with my thoughts. This time has been great to help me recalibrate my thoughts and feelings of the past year! Covid-19 has been tough on everyone. We have all lost valuable time with friends and family. I will freely admit that during my time running I have had happy thoughts being outside appreciating the beautiful Suffolk countryside to thoughts of anger, sadness and loss of the last good year with my father. This experience has been incredibly meditative and one which I am incredibly thankful for.
“The other major positive for me is that I have seen how wonderful and powerful social media like Facebook can be. Most of my fundraising has been through Facebook and to have raised this amount of money is incredible. It has been wonderful hearing from friends and ex-colleagues who I have not seen in more than 20 years.
“The hardest part physically was day 40 when my hamstring tore! The level 3 tear prevented me from running for four days. I walked/hobbled 5 kilometres determined not to give up. The last six days I could only run at a very moderate pace. As the sponsorship built up, I felt more determined than ever to complete the challenge.
“I ran the last 500 metres with my five-year-old daughter, Ellie. This was a very special moment for me and my family! I had a lovely socially distanced party with my neighbours and felt proud of what I had achieved.
“Thank you for all your very generous sponsorship and support for the Alzheimer’s Society. My original target was £1,000 so to have raised this incredible sum of money is very humbling.
“People keep asking me will I keep running – answer definitely. People ask would I do it again – answer definitely. Who knows, maybe next year I will do 75 5 kilometre runs consecutively!”
To support Nick’s fundraising, visit: https://bit.ly/3u1VlQe