‘Superhero’ Bill caps remarkable health transformation with 119-mile walk for Sheffield Children’s

Thanks to the help of a weight loss group, Bill wsd inspired to turn his life around and is using his improved fitness to help others, by fundraising for Sheffield Children’s.

Bill’s daughter Theresa, who works as a medical secretary at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, now admits her dad’s health often played on her mind: “I was waiting for the phone call to say he’d had a heart attack, it wasn’t nice carrying that anxiety on your shoulders.”

Bill himself admits that his weight was having a significant impact on his quality of life, explaining: “My blood pressure was dangerously high and being overweight impacted so many aspects of my life, from struggling to find clothes that I liked to fit me, to not being able to do simple everyday tasks without feeling fatigued.”

“I was diagnosed with diabetes in February 2019 and I was told I would need medication to manage it, that was the wake-up call I needed to make a change in my life.”

Bill has also become much more active and during lockdown has embraced walking, which is when he saw The Children’s Hospital Charity’s ‘Go The Distance’ Challenge.

After starting as a way to enjoy some fresh air outside, Bill gradually increased his distance as he felt able. He walked the equivalent of four and a half marathons, almost 118 miles over the course of a week to raise £368 for The Children’s Hospital Charity, which supports Sheffield Children’s.

Daughter Theresa continues: “I am super proud of my dad.

“I have seen his fitness levels go from strength to strength. When he told me that he signed up to walk the equivalent of three marathons in one week I knew he would smash it, which he did. It was no surprise that he ended up doing another marathon on top.”

Bill’s fundraising continues a long record of family support for Sheffield Children’s. Theresa has taken part in several races for The Children’s Hospital Charity and is delighted to see her father follow suit:

“I am immensely proud of my papa bear, he is my superhero! I have worked at Sheffield Children’s for 12 years now and I’m very fortunate to be part of such a fantastic team, I couldn’t be prouder of the work we do. I also get to see up close the difference charity donations make and I knew that doing it for The Children’s Hospital Charity would keep my dad motivated to the finish.”

Rachael Thomas, Events Fundraising Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity added: “Bill’s story is nothing short of inspiring, to undergo such a dramatic transformation in such a short time is testament to both his own perseverance and the help he received along the way.

“To mark it with a fundraising challenge to help the young patients at Sheffield Children’s shows you the kind of character he is. It was a pleasure to be able to thank him personally and his support shows that even with a second national lockdown now underway, it still possible to stay active and make a difference. Thank you Bill!”

If you’ve been inspired by Bill’s story, why not sign up for Team Theo’s virtual Glow Run? Registration is free and anyone who raises £50 will receive a snowflake medal to display proudly on their Christmas tree: www.tchc.org.uk/events/glowrun.html​​​​​​​

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.