Ron's marathon effort is first run for three decades

Ron Sawford last competed in distance running thirty years ago, but next month he will attempt a half marathon after nine months of training.

Ron, who lives in Kettering, was the first managing director of Teamwork Trust, a charity operating in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough that provides programmes for vulnerable adults who have short-term or enduring mental health issues, learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

He worked for the organisation from 1982 until 2002 and although he has now retired he still maintains strong links with the charity as his wife Jackie is a counsellor there.

He will run the Bath Marathon on March 13 to raise cash for Teamwork.

Ron said: “I last did a marathon when I was 40. My normal sport is sailing but last summer we were in Bath and watched the half marathon there and felt quite inspired.

“When I first started running again I was absolutely horrified but now my muscles have got used to it again.”

Alongside Ron will be his son Steve, 46, who is a keen runner and has taken part in several marathons in the past.

Ron added: “It’s been good to have his support.

“His wife Yvonne starts with the elite runners when she does marathons so that’s also helped inspire me to keep going.”

Ron first became involved Teamwork after he left his job in industry in 1982 looking for a new challenge. Teamwork was originally set up as an offshoot of mental health charity Mind but because so successful that it eventually became its own trust and now operates in three towns in the north of the county.

One of its main functions is to provide assembly-line and packaging work to vulnerable adults. Profits are ploughed back into the charity to fund education, skills training, counselling and other activities for members.

You can sponsor Ron at www.justgiving.com/Ron-Sawford or text RONS70 £3 (or whatever donation you would like to make) to 70070.