Gold Dust fundraiser gears up for 10k

This Sunday, hundreds of runners will take to the roads in and around the city centre for this year’s Britain’s Ocean City Plymouth 10k run. We are delighted that 16 of these runners will be donning their running shoes in aid of the Gold Dust Appeal.

One of those runners is Adam Hopkins, Business Development Manager at local company, Redrok, who are one of the official sponsors of this year’s event.

When he signed up earlier in the year he said: “This won’t be easy but I’m up for the challenge!”

Now, with just five days to go, he has updated us on his training.

“Training didn’t get off to the best start… Whilst doing my referee fitness test, I suffered a grade 1 tear of my hamstring at the end of August. This put me back a few weeks.” Adam explained. “I got back into cardio work a few weeks ago, so it’s a race to be ready for the race!

“Swimming has been the order of the day to minimise impact but increase my fitness levels.

“So, between tearing hamstrings, spending time with my boys and working, I have been squeezing in as many sessions as possible before the big race!”

Adam chose to raise money for our appeal after he came to visit level 12 and saw for himself the reasons why these funds are needed.

“Having visited the paediatric level at Derriford, you can see what they're trying to achieve to be able to make the 10,000 children and families comfortable whilst visiting, for either a one-off appointment or long term high dependency care,” said Adam.

“I'm lucky enough to have two healthy children, and have visited only as a one-off appointment for something relatively minor. However, many children visiting require long term care and it's important that with the appeal we raise enough money to create an environment that makes everyone feel comfortable and relaxed during long periods of care.”

There is still time to sponsor Adam, visit his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/Adam-Hopkins-10k

The Gold Dust Appeal aims to raise £100,000 to create a bright, exciting and welcoming environment throughout the children’s and young people’s areas on level 12 of Derriford Hospital.