Angmering runner set to tackle virtual New York Marathon
Ian's raising money to support mental health services
A West Sussex man who ran five marathons in five days is set to virtually run the New York Marathon this weekend in aid of mental health causes.
Ian Puttock from Angmering is taking on the challenge of running more than 100 laps of the 400-metre track at Worthing Leisure Centre on Sunday (November 1st) to make up the 42km (26.2 mile) distance.
Ian works at the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which supplies mental health and learning disability services in Sussex, as Head of Project Management.
He's puttting on his running shoes after being inspired by runners who virtually took part in the Brighton and London Marathons.
Ian said: "Covid will have impacted us in all sorts of different ways. I have chosen to virtually run the New York marathon around a 400m running track. That is at least 100 times around!
"I am doing this to raise all important funds to help provide the mental health support needed as we all come to terms with the different and difficult world we are currently living in.”
A father of four, Ian started running over 11 years ago when his wife died suddenly.
In 2018, Ian completed the challenge of going for five marathon runs in five days and raised more than £3,000 for Heads On, the official charity of the Sussex Partnership Trust.
This money helped to fund the start of a running group to support people achieve their running goals and improve their mental health. The group so far has provided the confidence to more than 30 people to complete their first parkrun.
Ian said:
"Running has become a large part of my life and along with my family has helped me get through some very difficult times. Losing my wife 12 years ago turned my world upside down by suddenly finding myself with four children to bring up on my own. Fortunately I was lucky enough to meet someone else and I have since re-married.
"It is with large thanks to my wife that she introduced me to the idea of going out a couple of times a week to run. This has definitely helped my own personal mental health.”
The NHS Trust provides mental health and learning disability services in Sussex and children's mental health services in Hampshire.
If you are interested in supporting Ian and would like to donate money to local NHS mental health services please see Ian's Just Giving page.
Every penny raised will go towards supporting people with mental health problems during Covid-19.