David’s 60 Marathons for Manchester Mind

David, from Chorlton Runners based in the North West will be taking part in the Yorkshire Marathon as part of his wider epic marathon challenge, to run 60 official marathons over two years. David will also be running to raise money for a cause very close to his heart, Manchester MIND. 

Taking up running at the age of 15 to help alleviate depression, David started running following on from his parent's divorce.

"I am in the middle of running 60 official marathons over two years - firstly, to mark my 60th birthday and secondly, to raise money for an essential cause that supports people with mental health issues!

“Although I was only very young, I had started to suffer depression as a result of my parents’ divorce which had a huge impact on my life - because of the trauma that went with it! To add to this, the 70s was a time when mental health was never talked about and adults would keep saying "You shouldn't get depressed at your age"!!”

“Despite the fact, that there is still a very long way to go, fortunately, things have moved on a lot more now and more people now feel they can talk openly about their mental health struggles - whatever their age! But there is still a long way to go and a great need for funding which is why I wanted to raise charity funds for Manchester MIND.

“Since the tender age of 15, I have suffered depression many times over the last 45 years and although I didn't always immediately turn to running to self-medicate, running has always been the best medication for me!

“Mental health was such a taboo subject back then! This was made worse by the fact I had no one to talk to - apart from my biggest and most loyal supporter – my mother, Nancy. 

“Sadly, my mother no longer knows who I am because of Alzheimer’s but she is getting great care at Roseville Care Home, in Stockton-on-Tees, so I wanted to give something back for the care that we have both received over the years.

“I don't have a strict timescale in which to complete them as I aim to complete mostly official marathons and of course sometimes life gets in the way! But by the time I take on my third consecutive Yorkshire marathon, this October, I expect to be around the 40 mark.

“The Yorkshire marathon is close to my heart because my mother was born in Fulford in York and in 2010, my mother, my late sister, Carol, and I, were all made Freemen of the City by birthright in an elaborate ceremony at the Town Hall! Then several years later I was awarded a PhD at the University of York.

“Over my 45 years of running, I've made hundreds of good friends, many of whom have fascinating stories. Many have also turned to running to help with mental health issues, recovery from addictions, and general well-being! Their stories inspire me so this is for them too!

"The marathon takes a huge toll on the body and can take weeks to recover although we all recover at different rates. Our recovery and abilities depend on several factors such as our genes, age, running history, health and so on so no two runners are alike.

"We are all unique in our way and that is why advice and guidance – although very important – you have to figure out what works for you!

“If there is anything I would advise any runner whether they are training for marathons, half marathons, 10ks or any distance, is that strength training should be as much a part of your plan as running itself!" 

Good luck David, we can't wait to cheer you across the finish line on event day. 

To support David’s fundraising mission, click here

Entries are still open for this year’s Yorkshire Marathon, taking place on Sunday 20th October. To enter and find out more click here