John Clacy, head of Deloitte UK Financial Services Portfolio Audit, has completed the Brighton Marathon, running in aid of GROW, Deloitte’s Five Million Futures charity.
The Brighton Marathon is the UK’s third-largest marathon. It took place on Sunday 7 April 2024 and was John’s hardest physical challenge to date. All money raised will go to GROW Ltd, a charity set up to support adults with learning disabilities and difficulties (crew) in developing self-confidence and life skills.
John was a keen long-distance runner before a nasty rugby injury (a dislocated hip) 20 years ago, which slowed down his running abilities and ultimately forced him to stop a couple of years later. He had a hip replacement five years ago, and late last year, John was eager to see if he could start running again.
“As I am a relatively goal-driven person, I decided to boost my determination to run again. I set myself a goal – and this was the Brighton Marathon, where I followed a couch-to-marathon plan, aiming to get myself prepared for the challenge ahead,” John said.
“The training is undoubtedly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. After I was told I needed to stop running, I carried on cycling and swimming for exercise, but I was amazed at how little running fitness I had in the tank and I really had to start from zero.
“I’m so pleased that I managed to get over the line, and equally grateful that I’ve received so much support, having raised more than £3,800 in donations.’ he added.
Set up in 1984, the aim of Grow was, and still is, to enable adults with learning disabilities and difficulties to be included and valued within a workplace and the wider community by providing occupational training and mentoring in a safe and stimulating environment.
Deloitte in Guernsey supports Grow as part of its Five Million Futures charity partnership, an initiative which aims to help five million people overcome barriers to education and employment and allow them to achieve their full potential.
Karen Blanchford, CEO of Grow, said: ‘We are so pleased that John chose to run in support of Grow, because not only does the donations sustainably fund our training, but it also demonstrates to our crew what can be achieved with willpower and determination.
“John and the rest of the Deloitte Guernsey team have supported us so much through their Five Million Futures charity and various challenges they have taken on. We appreciate everything they do for us, and all the money they raise makes a huge impact on crew training.”
Deloitte have supported GROW through a variety of ways through their 5 Million Futures charity partnership, including the donation of ten laptops, the sponsorship of their Christmas trees and the 24-hour Val Des Terres challenge.
Donations for John’s marathon run can still be made here.
