Katie Bulmer-Cooke: Richard aiming for five in five

Richard is a member of the Sunderland Strollers (he’s a much better runner than me), and he is about to embark on a big challenge, which he is calling, Richard’s 5 Alive Challenge and is in loving aid of all of those in need at St. Benedict’s Hospice in Sunderland.

Richard is aiming to raise £5555.55 for the hospice by running five marathons in 5 days, kicking off with the Virgin Money London Marathon…WOW! This is a huge challenge that requires extremely high levels of physical fitness but masses of mental toughness too. But it doesn’t stop there…Richard is doing all of this at the age of 63, which he certainly doesn’t look, making him a shining example of how looking after yourself and exercising regularly can keep you young.

I’m backing Richard all the way and will be helping to share his progress on my social media channels as well as donating to St. Benedict’s Hospice. It’s certainly going to be a big team effort, as Richard has the backing of a full team of people ahead of and during his challenge. Amongst the team is his lovely wife Denise, family, friends, a physio, podiatrist and many more. But now it’s time to get everyone involved, in both championing the challenge and of course donating, to ensure that Richard hits his fund raising target of £5555.55.

I saw a quote on Richard’s Facebook page the other day, which started with ‘five year’s ago, Richard didn’t know what the future would look like.

All he knew was he had an incurable cancer. With a fancy name. He wanted to run away from it. But instead he decided to run with it. And for it’ and the end the quote read ‘everyday he counts his 5 blessings. Family, Friends. Faith. Fitness. And the fun of being alive.’

Now if that isn’t a challenge and cause that is worth getting behind, then I don’t know what is.

So make sure you check out Richard’s Facebook page by searching Richard’s 5alive Challenge Page and get involved in any way you can, whether it be making a donation, becoming part of his support team or simply turning out to cheer him on.

Best of luck Richard, I’m more than certain you will smash it. Your commitment and dedication is totally inspirational.

It’s great to see that the money Richard raises will go directly back into benefiting people from Sunderland, whether it be those in need of care at St. Benedict’s Hospice or their families.

Yes, there are lots of national and international charities doing amazing things that should all be supported.

But next time you embark on a charity challenge, or maybe you do your first one, their may well be a cause close to home that could really do with your help.