Selby College student embarks on running challenge for charity

Matty Pooley, BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Exercise Science student at Selby College, has set himself the challenge of running 2 miles every day throughout December to raise money for Dementia Forward.

Overall, Matty plans to run more than 60-miles to raise money for the charity. He originally set out to raise £300 as part of the fundraiser and has already surpassed this, raising more than £1000 by the middle of December.

“Dementia is such a sad illness and one that is close to me and my family. My grandad was diagnosed with Dementia at 64 years old, so we know first-hand the horrible impact this illness has on people,” said Matty. “That is why I wanted to do something to help raise money for the charity and something which I could tell my grandad all about. I know 2 miles may not seem much to some people, but for someone who doesn’t regularly exercise it is, and I wanted to keep it realistic to make sure I kept it up throughout the whole of December. I hope this can help those suffering with dementia after what has been an extremely challenging year for everyone. I know that any donations received would be greatly appreciated by the charity.”

Dementia Forward is a local registered charity providing support and information to those affected by dementia. The charity has developed a comprehensive range of services, with people living with dementia at its heart.

Matty is currently in his first year of studying a BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Exercise Science degree at Selby College. The three-year programme is designed to provide students with the key skills to work with groups and individuals across the sports industry, including both at grassroots and elite level. These skills will be developed by science-based knowledge to underpin students’ understanding and to assist them in the process of working with clients.

“We’re extremely proud of Matty for challenging himself both mentally and physically by running over 60 miles throughout December for Dementia Forward. After what has been such a difficult and negative year for many, it’s great that Matty is going out of his way to do something positive. It will be so greatly appreciated by the charity,” said Matty’s tutor, Gabriel Horgan, Lecturer in Sport at Selby College.

Fellow BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Exercise Science student, Liz Millard, recently rowed the equivalent of the Dover to Dunkirk evacuation route and back to raise money for The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. After rowing 93 miles, Liz and her partner Martin Field raised more than £620 for the charity.