Sam's story: joining running club to raise money for Diabetes UK

Sam Barnett, who lives with type 1 diabetes, is part of something special. A collective group of people who are not just raising an amazing amount for charity. They’re coming together to make a lifestyle change, going from Zero to Hero.

Zero to Hero Runners is a free club that superstars Dick, Lisa and Jo have set up to transform people’s lives. They organise a free 10-week running programme that anybody can sign up to. Especially those who have never run before.

They train as a large group throughout the 10 week period. At the end, they graduate together at their 5km park run. Many go on even further – including marathons. Each programme is dedicated to a charity, and after taking part in our London Bridges event, she decided to nominate Diabetes UK as the chosen charity for the latest group of runners. The group raised just under £1,000!

600 members strong

The group has become an integral part of the community. Starting in 2014 with just 14 people turning up for the first run, it now has over 600 members on Facebook ranging from ages 17 to 80.

At the end of 2018 the club officially became affiliated with England Athletics. This huge achievement now means their members can run under the official banner of Zero to Heroes this year. Look out for Zero to Hero runners at the London Marathon in March.

A special thank you to Sam and the Zero to Hero Runners for helping us fight for a world where diabetes can do no harm. 

Start a group in your own community

Running is a fantastic way to bring people together. If you run alone, as a pair, or as a team, how about starting your own local club? You could do a weekly lunchtime run club at work or a km per day run with your class at school.

Begin with something small and before you know it you’ll be bringing together your community to laugh, be healthy and enjoy the feeling of camaraderie that makes exercise a joy.

So jump straight onto the running tracks and order a Fundraising Pack today.