Thursday, May 2, 2024
Danny is at it again, challenging himself to raise funds for the charity he co-founded more than 15 years ago. This time, he is once more donning his trusty running shoes and taking on a 150km run in a day challenge, which will take place on the north and south banks of the Humber …
Just why is our Director of Sailing and twice round-the-world sailor taking on this challenge?
As a co-founder of CatZero, Danny is hugely proud of what the organisation has achieved over the last 15 years, working with more than 2,000 people.
“Working with vulnerable families reminds me on a daily basis of how privileged I was to have the upbringing I had,” said Danny. “I am passionate about the work we do at CatZero and once again I am willing to put myself on the line to raise further funds to help families improve their lives.”
For 15 years, CatZero has delivered lasting personal change to people across the Humber region, applying its innovative and life-changing programmes to support a broad spectrum of people across the community, including children, younger people, unemployed adults, Forces’ veterans, and full families.
The need for CatZero is clear when you appreciate that in Hull and Grimsby alone there are:
• 35,100 children living in poverty
• 27,400 workless households
• 1,501 looked after children, at a total cost of £100 million
As a charity, CatZero needs to raise funds that can be matched against bids from foundations and other charities, and due to current economic pressure, the need to do this is now greater than ever. Through the ‘150km in a Day’ event, Danny hopes to raise at least £24,000 (worth £60,000 when match-funded), which will enable CatZero to use its ‘Full Families’ programme
Did you know? Whenever CatZero wins grant funding it needs to match that funding with its own monies raised – if it can’t the money is lost, and the vital transformational change programmes are unable to go ahead. That is why Danny is embarking on this challenge and why 150km in a Day sponsorship is so important. If you are interested in being a sponsor, email: [email protected]
So, where is he running to?
Danny will leave Grimsby Fish Docks in in the early hours of the morning, and will cover 75km (46.5 miles) in the Grimsby and Cleethorpes area. At approximately 12 noon, Danny will take a pilot boat from Grimsby’s Royal Dock to Hull Marina, where he will arrive at 1pm, next to the CatZero yacht. From here, Danny will continue his challenge by running multiple loops around Hull Marina until he has completed 150K (93 miles).
How is Danny preparing for this mega run?
From standing up all day to running a mammoth number of miles, watching his food consumption, and preparing himself mentally, Danny has been working hard on the preparation for the 150km run. More on this coming soon …
It is hard to believe, but Danny has not always been a fitness fanatic, in fact he couldn’t run a mile 12 years ago when he was warned he was on the verge of obesity. That kick-started his weight loss and healthy lifestyle. Following his father’s death in 2013, Danny and his sister, Nicola, decided to run a marathon together in his memory and that began the seven-year challenge.
He said: “I used to be three-stone heavier and actually it was my dad and sister Nicola who were the runners. When you are taking on these challenges, or any form of endurance exercise, it is all about attitude. I now see it as a privilege to be able to train and undertake these adventures.”
Who has made this happen?
It goes without saying that, without Danny this would not have happened. However, nor would it have gone ahead without our headline sponsors and other key sponsors. We want to thank you all:
