Service Manager Sam to take on London Marathon challenge for Hft
A man who took up running to get fit after feeling out of breath playing football is taking on the London Marathon to raise money for Hft.
Sam Zilkha, a Service Manager at Hft’s Chy Keres respite service in Tregadillett, Cornwall, will take to the streets of the capital for the world-famous marathon.
Sam will be joining an estimated 50,000 other runners as they make their way round the 26.2 mile route on April 27.
All money raised by Sam will go to support the work of learning disability charity Hft, where he has worked for the last 18 months.
Sam, 30, signed up after deciding to improve his fitness.
“Two years ago, I started playing football again and I soon realised how unfit I was, spending the whole game out of breath,” said Sam.
“So, I decided to take up running to try and get fit.”
Sam did his first 5k and 10k runs early last year. When he saw Hft had places available to run the London Marathon, he immediately signed up.
But his enthusiasm to raise vital funds for Hft has landed him in a bit of hot water with his wife.
“I should have checked really before I signed up as the marathon is the same day as my first wedding anniversary,” he smiled. “But my wife is coming with me to support me on the day and I’ve promised her we’ll do something nice in the evening to celebrate – if I can still walk!”
Sam has been busy training for his challenge – his first ever marathon – running every other day.
“The weather and all the bad storms we’ve had has impeded my training schedule a little bit,” he said.
“So, I may have to go back to using a treadmill to keep up my training for a while until the weather improves.
“The other day I went to my first ever men only yoga session to work on my breathing ready for the marathon and I am trying to eat more healthily too, to ensure I’m in good shape.”
Chy Keres, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer, is a Hft respite service for learning disabled adults.
Nestled in the Cornish countryside, Chy Keres offers six bedrooms along with shared living spaces, a sensory room and respite stays.
Individuals can stay for a long weekend. Others visit one day a week and some book in for longer stays to allow their families to rest and recharge.
While at Chy Keres, service users get to enjoy a number of activities, from going out shopping to gardening, walking and swimming.
Sam says it’s the individuals Hft supports that will keep him motivated as he makes his way around the capital.
“I see every day the difference Hft makes in peoples’ lives,” said Sam.
“Together, in partnership with each individual, we set goals and work with them to enable them to achieve them.
“It’s not only the people we support who get so much out of the service, but their families too who enjoy time to rest.
“That, and my incredible colleagues working for Hft to make it all happen, will be my motivation to get around the route.”
Sam has so far raised more than £200 towards his £1650 target.
Anyone wanting to support Sam and make a donation can do so at his fundraising page: Sam Zilkha is fundraising for Hft.
Have you been inspired by Sam’s desire to get fit and raise vital funds to enable learning disabled adults and their families live their life their way? Visit our website and take on your own challenge for 2025.
