81-letni maratończyk
EN_01637927_0003
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WORDS BYLINE: Deborah Cicurel
An inspiring pensioner has spoken out about his love of running - age 81.
Allan Stopher, who lives at Churchill Living’s Bond Lodge retirement property in Rainham, has been running since he was in his thirties.
“I started running when I was 38, taking part in a local fun run, and from that day on I was hooked,” Allan remembers.
“I’ve done 59 marathons, including nine London Marathons, and my best marathon time was 2 hours 54 minutes – although that was a few years ago!
“I’ve also done ultramarathons and raised lots of money for charity, but these days I don’t enter many races, I just do it for fun and to keep myself fit.
“I decided to get rid of a lot of my old race medals – I had boxes of them!
“However, I kept all my London Marathon medals and a few others from races that were special to me, like the Hastings Marathon which was one of the hardest and hilliest I’ve ever done.
“I’m still a dedicated member of a runners’ club which is a good social group.
“I run almost every day.
“It’s not about the distance now; it’s about the joy, mental clarity, and physical strength running gives me.
“Even on rainy days, I’m on my treadmill, staying active.”
Before moving into Bond Lodge, Allan lived in a big house on his own, but decided it was time to downsize.
“I lived on my own in a big house in Gillingham and decided the place was too big for me,” he explains.
“Downsizing was hard, but I had plenty of help from Churchill’s downsizing service.
“I managed to sell plenty of my old furniture which made a bit of money to help with the move.
"Living at Bond Lodge allows me to maintain my active lifestyle, and the security gives me peace of mind.
“Now I’m settled in my new apartment and enjoying getting to know all my new neighbours.
“There’s nothing to worry about here, so when I’m not running I can just spend my time relaxing, playing golf and going on holidays, it’s perfect!”
Find out more about Bond Lodge at https://www.churchill-living.co.uk.
Featuring: Allan Stopher
When: 21 Nov 2024
Credit: Allan Stopher/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUPPLIER.**
2024-11-21
Cover Images/East News
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