Trustee to run York 10K to raise funds for Club Wilber

You can support Charles here.

We gave Charles a call to get the inside scoop on how he feels about the upcoming run and learn a bit about his motivations.

Hi Charles, thank you for deciding to run for Club Wilber and for taking the time to talk with us about it.

You’re very welcome, it’s nice to help.

Why did you decide to become a trustee at the Wilberforce Trust?

My first involvement with the trust was when I was approached by an existing trustee for support with the tender process for the new build.  I helped out with the interview process and was very impressed with people from the trust and the things they talked about.  I didn’t’ realise at first, but later became aware that I had over the years known a couple of the trust’s residents who had attended my local church.  Having helped with the tender process it wasn’t long before I was asked if I would like to support the trust more widely and become a trustee.  I had previously worked as a director of a firm of specialist heritage contractors which went into administration, and after staying on in the new firm for a while, I was looking to do something more fulfilling outside the commercial world and give back and help in various ways.  I was fortunate enough to find a role in the Property Team that supports the Diocese of York in the Church of England and the trustee role fit well into that plan also.  It made a lot of sense to share my skills and expertise with the trust (being an organisation doing immense good) and the proximity of the new premises crystallised my decision.

What does Club Wilber mean to you and why did you decide to run for them?

I became aware of the great work that Club Wilber does through my role as a trustee.  Hearing about the fantastic activities that are organised to support and bring joy to those with visual impairments and their families is truly really heart-warming.  Club Wilber resonated with me because of the real sense of awareness its organisers have about what it is like to be a child with a visual impairment as well as the impact it has on a whole family.  It’s beautiful to see families and young people able to fit in and do things together, so it was really a no brainer that I would run to do what I could to support this.

Do you run regularly or is this outside your comfort zone?

Charles chuckles.
Yes and yes.  Over the course of my life I have run, for example I’m not a stranger to the odd run around the Knavesmire.  However the last time I attempted a stunt like this was back in 1986 when I ran the York half marathon.  Lockdown has actually motivated me to get out and run a bit more, particularly in times of the year that I previously would have avoided venturing out in a t-shirt and shorts.  So I suppose I have been pushing myself beyond my comfort zone a little.  I don’t expect to break any records, but I am really looking forward to it actually; that is when I’m not a little panicked at the possibility I may come in behind someone in penguin fancy dress or hopping backwards!

Do you have a favourite running playlist?

I’m afraid you’re not going to embarrass me that easily.  No I don’t actually listen to music when I run, I’m a bit spartan on that front.

Do you have any training tips for anyone else running the 10K?

Charles chuckles.
Yes!  Do train.

How are you keeping motivated?

You know it’s nice to have a personal challenge, but genuinely knowing that I am doing this for a good cause in Club Wilber is really what motivates me to keep training through the wind, rain and the recent stifling heat.

Great, well thanks again for everything and we wish you all the best in getting a time that you’ll be happy with!

Thank you.

Don’t forget you can sponsor Charles along with Pip (helps run Club Wilber) and Julia (parent of a Club Wilber child) here.