This 82-year-old vegan is running 100km to raise funds for a struggling animal sanctuary

Mohsina Dodhiya4th June 20209th October 2020News

‘They do such amazing work to rescue animals in need and are really affected by the coronavirus.’

82-year-old vegan pensioner Paul Youd aims to complete a 100km run to help raise funds for Dean Farm Trust animal sanctuary.

Paul Youd from Tauton, Somerset went vegan at 66 years and believes swapping his diet has given him ‘unlimited’ energy.

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The retired civil servant took to running only this March.

He plans to run 10km a day between June 21-30 and raise £10 for each kilometre in order to save the 200 animals living at the sanctuary.

“I wanted to challenge myself and do something to help the rescued animals at Dean Farm Trust,” wrote Youd in a Facebook post.

“They do such amazing work to rescue animals in need and they are really struggling at the moment, with many of their funding sources affected by the coronavirus.

“Running was something I could learn from the safety of my home.”

‘No aches and pains’

He built a 20yd track around his small back garden to begin training for the run and started with four stints of a quarter of a mile each.

Remarkably in just over 8 weeks of training, he was able to run 9000yds, 450 laps.

“Since I began running, just over 8 weeks ago, I’ve had no aches and pains – apart from a bit of stiffness if I sit too long. Whenever I’ve completed a run, I’ve always felt there was more in the tank – I’m pretty confident I can meet this challenge!”

‘So grateful’

The sanctuary is amazed at Youd’s indomitable spirit. “Running a 10km is no mean feat, but to run a 10km ten times in ten days is incredible – at any age,” said founder, Mary Frankland.

“Paul has been a wonderful supporter of our sanctuary and we can’t wait to follow along with his run. We are so grateful to Paul for fundraising for us, especially during these difficult times.”

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Since the initial amount of £1000 of the fundraiser was reached in just two days, the target has been raised to £3000. You can support Paul Youd by donating to the fundraiser here.