Foundation of Light coach, Phil Hubbard, is taking on an epic running challenge while raising funds for some of the charity’s initiatives.
The Sports Development Officer is taking on the Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon next month, before turning his attention to a 50km ultramarathon in the New Year, with a charity football match to be arranged between.
You can donate to the fundraiser for Phil’s marathon challenge at the following link, or read on to learn more about Phil and his challenge. JustGiving - Phil Hubbard
The coast of Northern Greece may seem an unusual setting to fundraise for Sunderland AFC’s official charity, but for Phil it is a case of unfinished business, as well as a personal connection, taking him back to Thessaloniki.
“I worked there [Thessaloniki] for about six years, and in Corfu for a few years,” Phil clarified on why he’s heading to Greece.
“I did the Thessaloniki Half Marathon a few years ago on one day’s notice because someone pulled out.
“I did it with no training, and my time has always bothered me. I wanted to push myself, travelling to Greece and going back to try and beat my time.”
A proud member of the team at the Foundation of Light, Phil is raising money for their Game of II Halves initiative which is tackling men’s mental health across the region, and the Primary Stars programme which he helps to deliver.
“I think Primary Stars is super important,” Phill added on the causes he is raising money for.
“We’ve got a great section in terms of how we teach kids, how we promote mental health within our PE lessons, and how we’re not just trying to teach sports, but trying to make better people.
“That kind of links to the Game of Two Halves which is a support network for men who may not want to be here anymore.
“It touches me heavily because I’ve lost two family members through suicide. A couple of friends recently as well. I just don’t want to hear it anymore. I don’t want to pick up the phone or open social media and see that someone has gone.
“I think we can be better, we can do better.”
With days counting down until the first step of the challenge, Phil has been following a strict training regime to make sure he comes out of this one with no regrets.
“I did a three marathon in three days challenge a few years ago and I didn’t do a lot of running. That was cruel. On that last day, I think I did loads of walking. I didn’t prep well at all.
“This time I’ve had some really good prep. Proformance, who are based here at the Beacon, have given me a plan.
“Mackenzie who works there is on to me every week, he asks if I’ve done my exercises, my plan. They’ve been super supportive.
“I’ve taken it really seriously this time, but being really honest, I’m still properly nervous.
“I’m travelling on my own, there’s no accommodation set up for me this time, whereas I had it through the company I worked for last time. I’ve had to sort it all out myself.
“I’m looking forward to it, eager to just get it over with, and then it will set me up well for the ultra in January as well.”
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