Crawley dad clocks up the miles for British Heart Foundation

A Crawley dad is tackling twelve 10km races and two half marathons in a year after a health scare prompted a lifestyle overhaul.

Govia Thameslink Railway worker James Loye, 40, is using his newfound love of running to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

The On-Board Coordinator, who is based at the Rail Operating Centre at Three Bridges, became concerned about his health at the beginning of last year. He said: “My blood pressure was 165 over 115, which rang alarm bells. I felt terrible and I was putting on weight.”

James knew he had to make some big changes to his lifestyle, so he changed his diet and also started a ‘Couch to 5km’ programme, which involved interval training three times a week. He then joined a Parkrun group, and this gave him the confidence to sign up to a 10km race.

Keeping up the momentum, James has put his name down for 12 separate 10km races and two half marathons this year. He is already signing up for 2020 runs, including the Brighton Marathon and London Landmarks Half Marathon.

James, who has a four-year-old son and six-year-old daughter, said: “My blood pressure is now fine. It’s 120 over 85. I’m very very happy. I still have a bit of weight to lose after the school holidays and hopefully with all the running, it should come off quite easily. Booking in for the runs, keeps me in check and keeps me running.”

Such is James’ dedication to keeping fit, he even gets up at 5am on a Sunday morning to fit in a long run before enjoying the rest of the day with his family. And while he may work for a train company, he often chooses to run the five miles home at the end of the day rather than making the four-minute train journey on Southern.

So far, he has raised more than £880 for the British Heart Foundation. James added: “A friend of mine passed away this year following a heart attack, which has given me even more reason to raise as much as I can for this charity.”

James’ colleagues are also supportive of his fundraising efforts and raised nearly £315 from a bake sale at work recently.

For the full list of James' races and to donate, visit: http://www.justgiving.com/James-loye1?utm_id=121

ENDS