Paul Youd took up running recently – but is planning a major challenge (Photo: Supplied to Plant Based News)
An 82-year-old is planning to run 100km in a bid to raise money for rescued animals.
Taunton-based Paul Youd, who only took up running at the end of March, is planning to run 10km a day between June 21-31 to raise funds for Dean Farm Trust animal sanctuary in Chepstow, which counts ex-battery hens, pigs, sheep and more among its 200 residents.
A challenge
In a statement sent to Plant Based News, the pensioner said he wanted to challenge himself and ‘do something to help the rescued animals at Dean Farm Trust’, describing the facility as ‘amazing’, and noting that it has been affected by the coronavirus, seeing funding dip.
Running around a small track marked out in his garden, Youd worked up to a two-mile run. Saying that he ‘felt as good as he’s ever done’, he decided to challenge himself to run 100km and raise £10 for every kilometer he runs.
He added: “Since I began running, just eight weeks ago, I’ve had no aches and pains – apart from a bit of stiffness if I sit too long. Whenever I’ve completed a run, I’ve always felt there was more in the tank – I’m pretty confident I can meet this challenge!”
‘Incredible at any age’
Dean Farm Trust founder, Mary Frankland, said: “Running a 10km is no mean feat, but to run a 10km ten times in ten days is incredible – at any age!
“Paul has been a wonderful supporter of our sanctuary and we can’t wait to follow along with his run. We are so grateful to Paul for fundraising for us, especially during these difficult times.”
