RUNNERS
RUNNING TO INSPIRE OTHERS
Even though Lee Hope has learning disabilities, he has run the London Marathon 13 times. It’s important for him to go back for the 14th
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Lee Hope had always enjoyed sport from a very young age
and after he left college he continued to take part in various sporting activities. Even at 44 he is still always swimming, running or doing some kind of sport. Lee has a learning disability and being able to focus on sport over the years has really improved his life. Just over 15 years ago, Lee joined a local group for people with a learning disability in his area, they were looking for someone to take part in a run for them so Lee volunteered as he had always enjoyed running. Unlike most people who run a marathon Lee didn’t start off with short runs, incredibly he jumped straight in and ran a marathon and loved it. Lee says: “When I ran my first
marathon I felt very proud of myself for finishing it. It was after this first marathon that I really got into running and since then I have gone on to take part in 13 London Marathons.” Having a learning disability, Lee has
faced a number of challenges in his life. Running and taking part in sport has always helped him cope with these. Being a member of several sports clubs not only helps him with the particular sporting events he is training for but they have also helped him with his communication and social skills, as he gets to spend time with other members of the club each week who like the same things he does. Taking part in a marathon is one of the toughest challenges most people will ever face, even for very strong runners. Lee says: “Taking part in a
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marathon is not easy, I always make sure I am training with long runs 3-4 times a week in the months before I take part in a marathon.” As Lee has a learning disability he needs support getting ready and changed for the marathon but once he is at the start of the race and he sets off running, there is no stopping him. Lee’s average time is 6 hours, which is an admirable time; he likes to keep a steady pace the whole way round the course. Lee comments: “Sometimes it gets
really hard when I’m running the last few miles but I always make sure I finish the race. The crowd for the London Marathon always keeps you going too, they’re great. I love it when I get to Tower Bridge as all the Mencap staff are there and they give me a big cheer, this really helps me carry on.” Mencap has always supported Lee
through the years and he also attends a local group with them. Lee therefore chooses to run and fundraise each year for this charity to give something back to them and also so they can continue to help other people like him, who have learning disabilities. Lee continues: “I think it’s important that I support Mencap as they have always helped me, I will continue to run marathons for them as long as I can. Running for this charity also means I can get information and support on the run that is easy for me to understand which is great. I always make sure I raise the fundraising target amount of £1,600 and often I raise much more.” Paula Radcliffe is a big running hero
of Lee’s and a runner he really looks up to. Lee likes to read about the different runs she does and takes tips from her on how to get through long distance runs. Lee says: “Every time I’ve taken part in the London marathon I’ve loved it, which is why I’m going back for the 14th time. You feel great when you cross the finish line and very proud of yourself”
■ Lee will be taking part in the Virgin London Marathon in April 2012. If you would like to take part in the Virgin London Marathon for Mencap, they still have places available, to apply log onto:
www.mencap.org.uk/get-involved
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WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL BEST? Whether it was your fi rst race, the day you ran your fastest time, or the run on which your partner proposed, we’d love to hear about your Personal Best running memory. Send the details along with photos to us at:
letters@runningfreemag.co.uk. We just might ask you to feature on this page and share your story with the world. What’s more, everyone who stars in Personal Best gets a fantastic pair of Brooks running shoes!
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