Auditel consultant on the run – but all in a good cause

Congratulations to Auditel consultant Daryn Dodge who has completed the 2009 BUPA Great North Run to raise funds for the charity Diabetes UK. Given that, in his own words, the last time he ran for anything was during football training over 20 years ago, and has been nursing a calf injury, this is quite an achievement.

As Daryn said before the race, “I’m not quite sure how I got here but here I am about to embark on a half-marathon! Actually I do know, as I specifically choose to run for Diabetes UK for a couple of reasons. My late mum had diabetes, and as I do too, I thought the training would help me.”

Daryn didn’t set himself a target time, as raising money and getting to the finish without the assistance of the St. John’s Ambulance were his main objectives. Once he’d got his breath back after the race Daryn said, “It was an amazing experience. As I had some really generous donations – £1,000 so far – I thought it was important to make a serious attempt and not just walk round. Considering that my restricted training had not let me go beyond five miles I was surprised that I felt quite comfortable up to ten miles. Then it was a different story as my shortened training was seriously exposed. I didn’t know you could experience such pain but once I was into the last three miles I was determined to make it to the line. I certainly managed that. I ran every step of the way without stopping or walking even once and finished in 3 hours 33 minutes and 19 seconds! This morning, I can’t believe that I ran for over 3 1/2 hours, but my legs are definitely reminding me that I did!”

Daryn joins a growing band of intrepid Auditel consultants and staff who have set themselves mental and physical challenges in support of charities this year. This group includes Alan Ford, who completed the Ironman Triathlon for Cancer Research in August, Chris Gordon who completed the Pennine Walk in record time for Wonder Years earlier this month and Edward Brewer who joined his 98-year old grandfather, George Moyse, in a parachute jump for the RNLI and Royal Airforce Association in April. Meanwhile Jack Pokoj will take part in the New York Marathon (his second this year) for Breast Cancer Care in November.