Ahmad Butt, the Head of Support Services at national charity the British Polio Fellowship, has announced he is to personally undertake a 10k run to try and raise extra funds for the charity and the valuable work they do. Ahmad is taking the phrase ‘going the extra mile’ quite literally by partaking in this year’s British 10k, with an aim to collect £3k in funding in sponsorship from 10 July event, which follows a route through central London, and passes by many of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Ted Hill MBE, the CEO of the British Polio Fellowship was fulsome in his praise of Ahmad’s commitment. “Although Ahmad runs a lot, it’s still a big commitment to train and get in good shape for a 10k. Ahmad is relatively new to the charity and to see this level of enthusiasm is really positive. I wish him the best of luck – and hope he comes good on his promise to finish in the top ten percent!” he laughs.
Ahmad himself clearly feels passionately about the work that the British Polio Fellowship carry out, saying “I'm running because I believe that the British Polio Fellowship can continue to provide vital assistance to those living with Polio and Post Polio Syndrome (PPS). Many people up and down the country live with the consequences of PPS, without complaining. I am constantly reminded how indiscriminatory this illness is and the life altering consequences it can have on those who live with it.”
Despite 120,000 people living with PPS, it is a little known condition. The £3k target will help to make a big difference to the British Polio Fellowship, and will help them continue their valuable work, which has had a number of successes in helping to improve the lives of those who have had Polio, and particularly people living with PPS. Recent successes for the charity have included spreading awareness of the condition with PPS Day, which saw a series of iconic buildings lit up in the charities colours; the publishing of a groundbreaking document to help medical professionals manage PPS; and a recent campaign which has helped to force some of the UK’s leading train companies to make concessions to improve disabled access for passengers.
While Ahmad is relatively new to the British Polio Fellowship, he has quickly embraced the work they do. “It’s fantastic to have such a fulfilling job,” he comments. “We’re seeing real positive changes every day from our work, and so the chance to raise extra funds is brilliant. I’m going to combine two things that are very dear to me – running and the British Polio Fellowship – so I’m really excited. I just need to make sure I hit (and hopefully exceed) my target!” he concludes.
