Runner hopes to raise over £5,000 for Grow after completing "hardest physical challenge he has done"

Wednesday 17 April 2024

Five years after having a hip replacement, John Clacy was keen to start running again.

He set himself the challenge of finishing the Brighton marathon and now he has got over that line is keen to raise as much as possible for the charity Grow.

Clacy was a keen long-distance runner before dislocating his hip playing rugby 20 years ago, which ultimately forced him to stop a couple of years later. 

He had a hip replacement five years ago, and late last year, was eager to see if he could start running again. 

“As I am a relatively goal-driven person, I decided to boost my determination to run again. I set myself a goal – and this was the Brighton Marathon, where I followed a couch-to-marathon plan, aiming to get myself prepared for the challenge ahead,” he said.

“The training is undoubtedly the hardest thing I've ever done. After I was told I needed to stop running, I carried on cycling and swimming for exercise, but I was amazed at how little running fitness I had in the tank and I really had to start from zero. 

“I’m so pleased that I managed to get over the line, and equally grateful that I’ve received so much support, having raised more than £3,800 in donations.” 

The Brighton Marathon is the UK’s third-largest. It took place on Sunday 7 April.

Set up in 1984, the aim of Grow is to enable adults with learning disabilities and difficulties to be included and valued within a workplace and the wider community by providing occupational training and mentoring in a safe and stimulating environment.   

Clacy is the head of Deloitte UK Financial Services Portfolio Audit.

The company’s Guernsey operation supports Grow as part of its Five Million Futures charity partnership, an initiative which aims to help five million people overcome barriers to education and employment and allow them to achieve their full potential. 

Karen Blanchford, CEO of Grow, said: “We are so pleased that John chose to run in support of Grow, because not only does the donations sustainably fund our training, but it also demonstrates to our crew what can be achieved with willpower and determination. 

“John and the rest of the Deloitte Guernsey team have supported us so much through their Five Million Futures charity and various challenges they have taken on. We appreciate everything they do for us, and all the money they raise makes a huge impact on crew training.’ 

Donations for the marathon run can still be made here: https://giving.gg/donate/event/9606/John-Clacy-is-running-the-Brighton-Marathon-for-Grow