On 26 March our Chief Executive, Darrell Tinsley, will be running the Liverpool Half Marathon for Emmaus Bradford. We caught up with him to ask him about his fitness journey…
Q.) When did you start your fitness journey and why?
A.) I started in 2018 initially as a result of a diabetes diagnosis, I was overweight very unhealthy and didn’t feel very well mentally.”
Q.) What/when was your first marathon or physical fundraising event?
A.) I did a fundraiser in 2017 and that was a Boxing match, I tried to get fit for that and had some great support from athletes in the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. I raised nearly 1500 for cancer research.
Q.) How can fundraising help Emmaus Bradford (and homeless people)?
A.) I am now going to be completing the Liverpool half marathon on 26th March for Emmaus Bradford, this will go a long way to getting rooms ready to occupy for people suffering with homelessness.
Q.) How’s the training going?
A.) It is going great this time round, I am on track and I am pushing myself to make sure I finish in a good time. I am doing this for a great cause with values that are well aligned with mine so I cannot fail.
Q.) What would you say to someone looking to partake in a marathon or other event, but might be worried about the fitness side of things?
A.) The most difficult thing to do is put your trainers on. Once you start to exercise for your run or walk or bike ride or whatever that may be. The endorphins and the way you feel will help you kick on to the next level of fitness. It is an incredible thing to be involved in, fitness that is.
Q.) Anything else you may want to add?
We are looking for support in Emmaus Bradford and if you can help with a team volunteering day or support with items to fit out bedrooms, or if you have a specialist trade like electrician, plumber, plasterer etc and you can volunteer a few hours of your time. We would love to have you on board. This will directly reduce homelessness in the community and give people suffering from homelessness the opportunity to be safe and warm with hope of a bright future.
You can support Darrell by donating to his Just Giving page here.