Meet Nathan: Running for Sheffield Futures at the Sheffield Half Marathon

After taking on the Sheffield 10K for us last year, Nathan is stepping up to the challenge once again, this time at the Sheffield Half Marathon! A proud Sheffielder with strong ties to the local community, he’s passionate about creating equal opportunities for young people across the city. We spoke to Nathan about his motivation, training and what fundraising for Sheffield Futures means to him. 

Could you tell us a bit about yourself? 

Day to day, I help businesses implement new systems and move to ecommerce websites so they can scale. 

I was born and raised in Sheffield and chose to set up my business here, where I’ve worked most of my career. I’m a member of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and feel strongly connected to the city and its community. 

Outside of work, I’m a Sheffield Wednesday supporter, and enjoy playing badminton and reading a good book. I make an annual trip to the Crucible Theatre for the World Snooker Championship and I enjoy traveling. 

What made you choose to fundraise for Sheffield Futures? 

I think that everyone should have the same opportunities so what Sheffield Futures stands for really resonated and if there’s anything I can do to help it will. 

Why does our cause resonate with you personally? 

I want there to be something available like Sheffield Futures to help people if they need it. 

Was there a particular story, person, or experience that motivated you to take part? 

No particular story but getting employed is only getting harder so I feel having resources like Sheffield Futures is critical. 

Can you tell us more about how you fundraise?  

I’ll do anything, I did want to do the skydive but my wife won’t let me… I’ve done the Sheffield 10K, now I’m doing the half marathon and want to push myself again in 2027 to do a full marathon if I can. 

What was the most memorable or rewarding part of your fundraising experience? 

Crossing the finish line knowing I’d done something I’d never done before and making the people who donated proud. 

Did you face any challenges along the way? How did you overcome them? 

Training when it’s dark, cold and raining, but you warm up after a few minutes. I tell myself that if I don’t do it, I’ll be letting myself and the people I’m running for down. 

How did you feel on the day of your event or challenge? 

I took a couple of days reset before and limited my training intensity so I was as ready as I could be. 

Who supported you the most during your fundraising journey? 

My wife was very supportive, she kept me on track and helped me keep to my training schedule, she also donated. 

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about fundraising for Sheffield Futures but hasn’t taken the first step yet? 

I’d say just do it, it’s for a great cause and whatever you decide to do you’ll be helping people live better lives. 

What did you learn about yourself through this experience? 

I learned that I have more willpower than I thought and that if I commit myself to something I can achieve it. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self? 

I would have started training earlier. 

How did you find the support provided by our team during your fundraising? 

The support was great, they gave me all the tools I needed to set my fundraising page up and shared my story on socials to help me get more donations and on the day they were there to cheer us on. 

Would you consider fundraising for us again in the future? 

100%.