You may recognise Ed Blackwell from our Harborne superstore, Reloved Brum, where he’s been the General Manager since the shop opened last August. When he’s not working, Ed often spends his time running and has even set up his own running club based in Harborne.
Ed said: “Running has quite simply changed my life! I started running during the Covid-19 lockdown as I was furloughed, wanted to get fit and try something new. I thought I’d give it a go and I lost six stone in one year.
“Running makes me feel alive, positive and ready to take on the world – the running community is so supportive, and I love it!”
Since he began running, Ed has completed several half marathons, most recently conquering the Edinburgh Half Marathon.
“The atmosphere and route were amazing. The weather wasn’t great but I was so proud to take part and even achieve a personal best,” he added.
“In the future, I’m planning to complete more races in aid of Birmingham Hospice. The work the hospice does is so important to me. My mom received end of life care from my local hospice in Wolverhampton, so I understand the vital care and support they provide.”
Following the launch of our new fundraising campaign, Medal Mission, Ed is keen to get himself and his running club involved.
Medal Mission is a new and exciting virtual event where participants choose one of four Birmingham-inspired challenges – Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth, Canal or Bullring Challenge – and complete a set number of miles to earn their very own medal.
“This is a great way to spread awareness of the hospice and encourage people to celebrate their own fitness accomplishments while supporting a great cause,” Ed said.
“There are so many runners across the region, so Medal Mission seems the perfect way to engage with them.”
This year it is predicted to cost £20 million to run Birmingham Hospice. Rising costs and a shortfall in NHS funding means it is getting harder for us to provide our expert palliative and end of life care to everyone who needs it.
Getting involved in fundraising challenges such as Medal Mission is more important than ever. By signing up to receive your very own medal inspired by our beloved city, and raising sponsorship, you’ll be supporting your local hospice when we need it more than ever.
Ed’s advice for anyone signing up to Medal Mission is: “Take it steady, enjoy it and remember that it’s not about your pace, but about being active and enjoying yourself.
“If you’re apprehensive, why not sign up with someone else? There’s strength and support in numbers!”
