Graham Smith (41) from Whickham
plans to raise funds for the local charity that re-ignited his passion for running last year.
Sweating it out for at
least 5.5 miles every day this year, the Northumbrian Water employee hopes to net £2,012 for the Tony Blair Sports Foundation;
money that will help to place an extra 20 sports coaches in local clubs across the region.
Graham qualified as a running
coach last year thanks to a community venture run by his employer and the Tony Blair Sports Foundation and was eager to give
something back.
He said: “I was always keen to organise a running club for non professionals to help encourage
people to be active and healthy. On my own, I could not have afforded the course fees. The Foundation, together with Northumbrian
Water, part-funded the qualifications and processes I needed and I’ve been looking for a way to thank them.
“I
spotted a national challenge to cover 2012 miles in 2012 by ‘human power only’ and decided it was a perfect way
to raise funds. It’s the equivalent of running 77 marathons, more than one a week for a full year, so it is incredibly
daunting but I’m determined to do it.”
Graham, who is blogging about every mile whether it is on the treadmill
or the streets of Whickham, is hoping to inspire others to take up the challenge and is also seeking sponsorship from local
companies. He added: “I already have several companies each sponsoring me 2p a mile – that’s all it takes
to get me well on my way to the £2,012 target.”
Jeanette Pickard, from the Tony Blair Sports Foundation,
said: “We’re delighted Graham has chosen to support us. All of the money he raises will go towards recruiting
and training more coaches. We have so many great sporting clubs and venues in the north east but there’s still a shortage
of qualified coaches and referees, which is a huge shame. The funds will really help to make a difference to the lives of
local children as we continue our pledge to make sport accessible to all.”
