Runners show their support for Tom
More than 60 people will be pulling on their running shoes as they take part in a half marathon fun run to raise money and awareness for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society in support of Raw Fitness gym owner Tom Iveson who was diagnosed with the condition earlier this year.
Family, friends and gym members will take part in the 13.1-mile run on Saturday 11th October which will follow a route from the gym on Skerne Road, through Skerne, Wansford, Nafferton and back through Driffield to finish back at the gym, where a raffle and party will be held.
Tom, who set up Raw Fitness just over seven years ago, was diagnosed with MS in May and his friends and colleagues at the gym wanted to show their support to him and decided to push themselves out of their comfort zone by organising the run.
Colleague Lucy Horsley, who has organised the run with her partner, said the response has been fantastic.
She said: “After Tom was diagnosed earlier this year my partner and I thought we could do a run this year to raise money for the MS Society.
“We then decided it would be a good idea to involve more people and so we came up with the idea of the half marathon starting and finishing at the gym and then anyone who wants to take part can do.
“So far, we have 60 people taking part, most of those are people from the gym and family and friends, but anyone is welcome take part.
“We have set up a JustGiving page and have raised £850 so far on that and we have a fantastic raffle with so many good prizes that have been donated by local businesses and we are really grateful for that.
“We are really looking forward to the day. It’s taken a lot of organising, but we have a really good team and have our fingers crossed for a nice day for it.”
Tom said the support he has received since his diagnosis has been overwhelming and he would like to use his knowledge of health and fitness to help others who may be going through their own health issues.
“I am very grateful to have such a supportive network. My partner Amy, my family and friends and everyone at the gym has been so supportive,” he said.
“I am particularly grateful to Lucy for organising the event and for all the hard work and effort she has put into getting this off the ground.
“I am managing the condition quite well and I have been told about the importance of health, fitness and nutrition and for me that is second nature and so that has been fine.
“I have dedicated my time to building up the gym and helping other people with their health and fitness and now it is time to prioritise my health.
“I have reached out to say I am happy to help anyone to understand the importance of looking after yourself and benefits of positive physical and mental health.
“Since my diagnosis I have heard about so many other people with MS and you wouldn’t know, but it is good to talk to other people.
“Running is not my strong point, but I am taking part in the half marathon with my partner Amy and we are both of the same mindset and will just get on with it.
“I’m looking forward to the day; it’s a real community event and will be about having fun and then we are having a party when we get back to the gym, so it will be a good day.”
If you would like to speak to Tom about help with health and fitness, please contact him on 07394096441.
To support the fundraising please visit the JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/lucy-horsley-12
