News
Halling man who ‘hates running’ loses six stone and takes on 100-mile running challenge for Kent-based children’s charity
20 Dec 2023
A Halling man is taking on a 100 mile ‘advent calendar’ run as part of a weight loss effort and to raise funds for a Kent-based children’s charity.
Dad of four Andy Williams, 42, who is a head of training at Pure Nails has lost almost six stone since June 23rd this year. During December he is running four miles per day for charity Tree of Hope, which is sponsored by Pure Nails.
Andy said: ‘I weighed 22 stone and had been that size for about 20 years. I wasn’t feeling good about myself but for some reason I finally got to a point on June 23 where I finished a can of Guinness, put it down and thought ‘right, that’s it, I’m going to do something about this.’’
‘I gave up alcohol, started eating healthily and joined a gym, Rochester Health Club who have been incredibly supportive. I’m now down to just over 16 stone, with about three more stone to lose. I’ve also gone from a 44-inch waist to 34 inches.’
‘I joined Pure Nails in September and when I heard about Tree of Hope who are sponsored by them, I thought they were the ideal charity for me to do a challenge for.’
‘I hate running, so it is quite a challenge! But it’s good for me and good for the charity, so I’m determined to push through. I'm hoping to raise £500, and am already about half way there.’
‘I’ve also been documenting my weight loss and exercise on TikTok and it’s brilliant how many other men have reached out to me who are in a similar boat.’
Tree of Hope is a national charity based in Kent which helps families fundraise for children with healthcare needs which cannot be provided by the NHS, and provides charity status to benefit from gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.
Tree of Hope Head of Marketing and Family Support Georgina Lowry said: ‘We are delighted that Andy has chosen to run on our behalf and wish him all the best with his fundraising and his fitness regime!’
To sponsor Andy, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-williams-1701199028382 You can also follow his weight loss journey on https://www.tiktok.com/@uncomfortablestretch?_t=8hl6J6SP7bN&_r=1
If you’d like to take on a running challenge for Tree of Hope, the charity still has places available for the Brighton Marathon - if you would be interested please contact Karen on karen.warner@treeofhope.org.uk
