An NHS doctor pledging to run 5K every day in January to support and raise funds for Mental Health Awareness has taken off, gaining support across the UK as his fundraising takes off.
Dr Howard Stringer, 27 has taken on this incredible challenge and is raising money for CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably after seeing first-hand the implications on mental health during this pandemic.
After his long shifts, the Aintree Hospital worker suits up and sets off, bringing smiles and cheers to those who happen to catch him running along the docks and around Merseyside.
His incredible feat has taken off – he has been flooded by donations as word of his journey has spread across the UK, from support from BBC and beyond, the local doctors personal challenge has turned into a country-wide sensation.
While initially setting himself a goal of £500 in donations when upon reaching he would strip off the sumo suit he began his runs in and do a day’s run clad only in a small red speedo, he quickly blew past the goal in the second week of his journey.
Howard then re-adjusted his goal to every £100 donation he will embark on another chilly speedo run. With that, the Aintree doctor is now running in speedos for the rest of the month and beyond as donations and support flow in.
Dr Stringer was inspired by Liverpool legend “Speedo Mick” after seeing his challenging walk from John O’Groats to Lands’ End for charity on TV last year.
Howard’s journey has been supported by the Peter Moore Foundation, Speedo Mick, local independents and many friends and family.
You can catch him running along Sefton Park this weekend, and follow his journey via his Instagram: @sumo5k
His donation page can be found here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sumo5k
