Runner set to take on North Coast 500 in support of three charities
AN epic challenge will see an ultra marathon runner pound the tarmac around the Highlands this summer – all in aid of good causes.
Nick Lister (37), from Lincoln, will travel north to run the whole length of the North Coast 500 over just two weeks from July 27 to raise money for three different charities.
Starting and ending in Inverness, this feat – which was achieved for the first time in eight days by ultra-runner William Sichel last April – has been conceived in support of Cancer Research, Alzheimer’s Society and Mental Health UK.
Mr Lister said: “Both my parents have had battles with cancer, and on and off my dad is still battling it as his never actually goes away.
“About six weeks ago my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and is noticeably a different man than he used to be, and the awful disease is clearly starting to affect him and my amazing mum, who does her best to cope for them both.
“For a huge part of my life I have battled with anxiety and depression. Depression has affected – and played – a huge part in shaping the person I am today and my approach in life.”
Mr Lister said that he used exercise to turn his life around, going from the weight of 19 stone to 14 in the last five years and is now a personal trainer and PGA golf pro. Over the last few years he has taken part in 12 and 24-hour swims, ironman triathlons and ultra marathons.
He decided to become a personal trainer at the start of 2018.
He said: “This was largely due to realising what’s important in life, and I put mental and physical health very high in my priorities.
“Often being a personal trainer, you end up playing a role of therapist too, and seeing others overcome their own physical and mental battles is such a reward.
“I have one client who now doesn’t take medication for her depression and simply uses our training to keep her mentally on track.”
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com and search for Nick’s Running the NC500. It will bring up three appeals – one for each charity.