Martyn recalled watching the Leeds Abbey Dash runners go past the hospital while he recovered from heart surgery and pledged to run the following year.
The retired PE teacher from Wetherby was an avid hiker before he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition about 18 months ago that left him struggling to keep pace with his friends.
He was shocked to learn that what he thought were symptoms of his aging were signs of impending heart failure which could only be prevented by surgery and an extensive recovery period.
He said: “I made a mental note: if I could get fit again, I’d run the Dash. It became a great motivator for me to regain my strength.”
Through determination and familial support, Martyn was able to fulfill his goal, running alongside his family and thousands in the Leeds community.
Martyn said: “Age UK’s Leeds Abbey Dash has been a beacon of motivation. It’s not just about running; it’s about proving to myself that I can come back stronger.”
More than 5000 Leeds residents attended this year’s Leeds Abbey Dash in support of the elderly charity Age UK.
Attendees ran for various reasons, there were a few whose stories embodied the message of perseverance, love, and community spirit.
Winner of this year’s season of celebrity apprentice, Rachel Woolford, who acted as a celebrity partner, has run the Leeds Abbey Dash for years and holds great pride to be able to run for Age UK.
She said: “I love being able to promote anything local to Leeds especially a charity like Age UK who do so much for elderly people. It makes me think of my granddad, who luckily has my family around, but I know so many people that don’t have that and Age UK are so amazing at supporting them.”
Even in its 38th year, the charity run continues to attract massive crowds of supporters and participants looking to take on the challenge while giving back to their community.
Despite the gloomy weather, the participants and spectators were full of energy, Kath Blaize-Smith, Senior Community & Mass Participation Fundraising Manager at Age UK shared that she could feel the comradery in the air.
She said: “It’s always a really lovely atmosphere because people know it is a charity run event – lots of people that are running have fundraised or donated to Age UK. You’ve got people running on behalf of older people or loved ones they have lost or celebrating the lives of older people.”