Hi, my name’s Patrick and no doubt I’ll be one of the oldest of VICTA’S (London Marathon) team members as I turn 70 in August.
My running journey began way back in 1979 and I’ve been on the roads and off roads) for the 46 years since discovering one of the most beneficial exercises for physical and mental health.
This is my second time supporting VICTA; my first was in 2012 and to raise funds then I – due to the wealth of experience garnered from organising run events – decided to put on what many people consider the ‘Toughest Charity Run’ in Yorkshire!
So 43 years following my first London Marathon I aim to be on that start line for a fifth and final time in our great capital and once again proudly attired in the very colourful VICTA running vest!
Can you describe the fundraising initiative?
The Kimmy Killer is 10k in length & incorporates 3 climbs of Kimberworth’s notorious ‘West Hill’ with a total of over a 1,000 foot of climbing involved.
With the super support of my running club – Kimberworth Striders – 67 Runners toed the start line & everyone navigated the course one way or another.
My thanks must go to club members and friends that not only ran but were involved in time keeping, marshalling, taking photos and supplying water at the finish line on what was an unusually hot March Day.
Post run was held at a local pub and with 10 Spot Prizes and 27 Raffle prizes – most of which were donated by friends – along with run entry fees, I raised a brilliant £710.
What surprised you?
As always, I never failed to be amazed about how kind people can be & for such great charity.
Would you do organise this type of event again?
Will it happen again? Well following the 2012 run, believe it or not runners wanted to see it again! So now we follow closely a four-year cycle linked to the Olympics! So I organised it in 2016, 2019, 2024 – all for a variety of deserved causes – Alzheimer’s, Hospices & Heart Charities.
The next one is due in 2028 to coincide with the Los Angeles Olympics 😊
What’s your advice for other team members?
My advice to Team Members in raising funds is to think outside the box and go for an event that could involve a good number of people.
Would you recommend it to others?
But I’m not finished there! I’m a qualified PT and I’ve been running a weekly Bootcamp for over 5 years and on Sunday 6th April I’ll be hosting an outdoor Charity Bootcamp. I look forward to seeing all my fellow VICTA team members on the streets of London.
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