I feel I am well equipped for the role of Welfare Officer having retired from Lancashire Police after a 27 year career.

 

I never really got into sport until high school where I played rugby and started running 1500 metres and cross country. I later joined Hyndburn Athletics Club then Accrington Road Runners where I enjoyed road running from 10K to Marathons. 

 

Having served with The RAF Regiment for 5 years I continued running marathons and long distance events such as the Welsh 1000 representing my Regiment. I continued running throughout my police service in the Northern Police Cross Country League as well as other endurance events.

 

Following a knee injury I got involved with mountain biking and then combined the two, participating in adventure racing: running, kayaking and mountain biking. I spent a lot of time competing in events to raise money for numerous charities and helping those in need.

 

In 2012 I spent 12 hours on a treadmill covering 74.6 miles and raising almost £3000 for a young woman with Leukaemia. In 2017 I completed the Rat Race Coast to Coast 105 miles in the Highlands of Scotland raising funds for the RAFBF. 

Following a health issue, I’ve returned to sport and now helping out with the Vale of York U11’s on a Monday which my son attends and thoroughly enjoys. It seems I’m hooked and have now completed Leading Athletics Online, Coaching Assistant, Group Leader Cycling Course and the Athletics Coach Throws course to further assist our young athletes.

 

I can be found as tail walker at Brayton Academy Junior parkrun most Sundays and looking to start running competitively again this year.

Vale of York members have all made me feel very welcome and I’m proud to be part of a club that embraces the ethos of sport for all irrespective of ability.