This man is preparing to run six half marathons in six months to raise funds for Sheffield Children's Hospital

Dave Allemby took part in the first-ever London Marathon in 1981, as well as over 1,850 races ranging from 100m to 40 miles.

Dave, who works as a produce assistant on the fruit and vegetable counter at Tesco, said: “I have always supported the charities chosen by Tesco and being a small part of the team raising funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital will keep me motivated throughout the dark winter months.”

Dave’s achievement is made all the more remarkable by the fact he is now suffering with a health condition that makes it harder for him to run. He is still determined, however, to take on more running challenges this year.

“I have arthritis in my knees so my training is quite limited these days, but I’m still managing to run two or three times a week. Six half marathons in six months will still be quite a challenge for me, finishing with the Sheffield Half in April.”

The epic challenge is to support Tesco’s £6,000 fundraising target for The Children’s Hospital Charity. He is also encouraging novice runners to join him.

He said: “My advice to newcomers would be to look out for walk-to-run-groups in your area, many running and athletic clubs organize them and everyone in the group will be in the same situation and at roughly the same level of fitness.

“Park runs are also great fun- 5km routes held on Saturday mornings throughout Sheffield, and also throughout the country.

“There’s no pressure, no entry fee and it’s a great target to finish one for a beginner. You can join thousands of people getting out there, taking part and having fun.”

Dave has set himself a personal fundraising target of £200 for the challenge, which will help transform the Cancer and Leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. The ward treats children from babies through to 19-year-olds in South Yorkshire and also further afield.

The department is one of twenty principle treatment centres in the UK and also cares for patients who have other problems including bleeding and inherited disorders.

Under the plans, private patient rooms with en-suite facilities would be created, which give patients a place to make their own and space for a parent to sleep comfortably alongside them.

In addition to his commitment to running, Dave has also worked behind-the-scenes to organise events, coach athletes, motivate novices into getting active and raising much-needed funds for both local and national charities.

His fundraising commitment was honoured when he became the first person in South Yorkshire to carry the Olympic Torch when he joined the relay through his hometown of Barnsley in 2012.

Rachael Thomas, events fundraising officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity said: “It’s really inspiring to hear both about Dave’s dedicated running career and his long record of fundraising.

“We’re delighted that he’s chosen to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital with his six half marathons in six months challenge and we can’t wait to welcome him to the Sheffield Half this year. We still have a limited number of charity places for you to join him, so get in touch and make a difference in 2020”.

To join Dave in running for The Children’s Hospital Charity in the Sheffield Half on Sunday, March 29, visit: www.tchc.org.uk/events.