Our Comittee
Late Life Club President
Steve Morris
Sadly the co-Founder and Life President of Desford Striders passed away on February 10th 2023. Steve will always be remembered - he was loved by everyone that knew him and leaves behind a wonderful legacy.
Club Vice President
Sarah Ball
How long have you been a Strider?
I joined in 2012.
How long have you been running and why did you start?
Since 2011, I started as I'd worked hard to lose 4 stone and I hoped it would be a good way to keep that weight off!
What's your favourite pre-race snack?
I get nervous before a race so I avoid food, but I always more than make up for it when I've finished!
Tell us a non-running fact about you?
My Aunt is a Dame, so her birthday is printed in The Times every year!
Chair
Cheryl Tonks
How long have you been a Strider?
I joined in May 2013
How long have you been running and why did you start?
Since 2012 - I did a couple of parkruns then decided, with my brother, I wanted to do a ‘before we’re 40’ challenge so booked the Milton Keynes Marathon. I crossed the finish line and swore I was never going to run ever again, then joined Striders about 2 weeks later!
What's your favourite pre-race snack?
Marie Hobbs’ ‘fairy dust’ cake, or chocolate flapjacks.
Tell us a non-running fact about you?
The actress Jenny Agutter presented me with a ‘bravest fundraiser’ award after I’d abseiled off the Brian Clough Stand at Nottingham Forest Football Club. I hate heights!
Club Vice Chair
Simon Clough
How long have you been a Strider?
Since September 2022. I used to see Striders running around Thornton Reservoir and Desford. When my daughter started Cubs at SiD I saw Striders were based there, so I signed up! I’ve loved every minute since!
How long have you been running and why did you start?
I got back into running in 2022, when I realised I wasn't getting any younger or fitter! Joining Striders has made me really enjoy both the social and competitive side of running.
What’s your favourite pre-race snack?
Slice of toast with strawberry jam. Washed down with a bucket of coffee. Not my favourite, but it doesn’t make me sick in the race so I stick to it!
Tell us a non-running fact about you
I like to dive in to random challenges with little or no prep. I was in San Diego once and had a few hours to spare, so I drove out to a local skydive club, ‘learnt’ to skydive in the morning and did a solo jump! In 2010 I trained-for and ran the New York Marathon, climbed Mont Blanc and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in the space of three months, all for charity. I’ll give pretty much anything a go!
Club Secretary
Louise Shearsby
How long have you been a Strider?
Since March 2023.
How long have you been running and why did you start?
Since about 2012. I had gone through a marriage breakup and my mental health was very bad. One day my friend turned up at my front door and asked me if I owned a pair of trainers, tpok me to the canal path and we ran/ walked a mile. Within three weeks I was running 5k and have never looked back! Running has definitely saved my life.
What's your favourite pre-race snack?
A Weetabix with butter and sugar on... don't knock it til you've tried it; it's lovely!
Tell us a non-running related fact about you?
Outside of running, my entire life is taken up with animals! I have two horses, Kashmir and Emba, and a hyperactive Husky/Samoyed cross called Belle. I am also a member of the Leicestershire Badger group with my partner Gaz and we have a clan of badgers near us that we've watched for five years and they know us like one of their own. I've had wild badger cubs sat on my lap on numerous occasions!
Club Treasurer
Vicky Keenan
How long have you been a Strider?
Since 2017.
How long have you been running and why did you start?
From when I became a Strider in 2017.
What's your favourite pre-race snack?
Porridge and berries.
Tell us a non-running fact about you?
My dog weighs more than I do!
Captain and Membership Secretary
Graham Hobbs
How long have you been a Strider?
Joined June 1999.
How long have you been running and why did you start?
First race was the South Wigston 7 (from the Fire Station) in June 1984.
What's your favourite pre-race/run snack?
Nothing in particular, would depend on distance - porridge (marathon) and banana (anything shorter).
Tell us a non-running related fact about you?
Would say that I've just become a self-employed decorator but that would be shameless advertising! Failing that I can't think of anything, other than being desperate to play the guitar, piano or drums. A very frustrated musician inside me!
Captain
Amy Burch
How long have you been a Strider?
I joined Striders in 2016 after doing Couch to 5K.
How long have you been running and why did you start?
I’ve probably been running since about 2011 on and off. I was too scared to join a club as I thought everyone would be super speedy, so I did Couch to 5K as a way to get into the club and haven’t looked back since!
What's your favourite pre race snack?
Normally porridge and banana before a race.
Tell us a non running fact about you?
I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie at heart. I’ve done skydiving, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, an aerobic stunt flight, walked over Sydney Harbour Bridge and done the zip wire down the old strip in Vegas. I’ve calmed down a bit since having kids, so just get my kicks from running now!
Vice Captain
Jen Ayres
How long have you been a strider
Since 2019
How long have you been running and why did you start?
I did Couch to 5K in 2019 after being convinced I would find it easy. The first couple of weeks were!
What's your favourite pre-race snack?
I always have porridge with jam and a massive glass of water. Then a bite of energy bar right before.
Tell us a non-running fact about you?
I love to bake - cakes, biscuits, meringues, tarts, bread, anything. Actually, the truth is, I love to eat and homemade is always best.
Vice Captain
Tim Smith
How long have you been a Strider?
Joined in Spring 2023
How long have you been running and why did you start?
Since I was at Uni in 2008. My auntie had entered a few races and inspired me to give it a go.
What's your favourite pre race snack?
If it's a long run, probably pasta the night before and porridge in the morning. Otherwise just a banana!
Tell us a non running fact about you?
Seen many ups and downs supporting Leicester City, having had a season ticket since 2001 at the age of 11. I keep busy with 2 young children and also enjoy DIY and gardening.
Vice Captain, Publicity Officer and Website Coordinator
Stewart Heeley
How long have you been a Strider?
I joined in March 2016.
How long have you been running and why did you start?
I was cajoled into doing the very first Striders Couch to 5K programme back in January 2016 by my wife and stepdaughter, having not done any running since I was at school! Much to my surprise I loved it and haven't looked back since.
What's your favourite pre-race snack?
Eating before races is difficult for me as I'm diabetic but, usually, a bowl of steaming hot porridge a couple of hours before sets me up nicely.
Tell us a non-running related fact about you?
I used to be a sports journalist and was once flatly refused an interview request by a very rude and uncooperative Sally Gunnell!
Vice Captain
Catherine Cox
How long have you been a Strider?
I joined Striders in 2023 after graduating with the Couch to 5K.
How long have you been running and why did you start?
Please see my answer above for how long I have been running for! I attempted a parkrun at the end of 2022 after being persuaded by my daughter to give it a go and then saw the Striders ad in the Markfield Herald for the C25K starting January 2023. Wish I had started running years ago!
What's your favourite pre-race snack?
It used to be rice porridge (which is gluten-free) plus a banana but, unfortunately, the company that made the rice flakes has disappeared so now it's a bit random!
Tell us a non-running fact about you
I play the piano and the flute/piccolo, but not nearly as well as I used to. I'm also looking for a teacher to teach me French horn or trombone as, when the kids left home, they left them 'temporarily ' at our house!
Charity Officer
Arlene Heeley
How long have you been a Strider?
I joined after I was signed up for the Striders' first C25k with hubby Stewart.
How long have you been running and why did you start?
About 20 years ago I used to run/jog with a neighbour around the village and we'd end up in The Lancaster pub for a glass of wine after! I also did a few 5k Race for Life runs.
What's your favourite pre-race snack?
Has to be a banana 🍌
Tell us a non-running related fact about you?
When I was at University, I was President of the Mature Students Society. I took part in several demonstrations and overnight library sit-ins. I was very good with a loudhailer!
One of the most unforgettable national demos I went on was in London in the late 80s. The tension was very high and we were charged at by the police on horses - very frightening!
Committee Member
Amrit Hanspal
How long have you been a Strider?
Since January 2017
How long have you been running and why did you start?
Absolutely hated running in my school years but then I saw an advert for C25K and thought I’d give it a go as I wanted to get fit and lose my baby weight. I’ve been running for 8 years now and never looked back.
What’s your favourite pre-race snack?
Nutella on 2 slices of brown bread, works a treat!
Tell us a non-running related fact about you?
I know it’s shocking because of my height but I played netball and basketball at county level from 16-18. These were sports I was fast at (unlike running). I then moved away to go uni and socialising took over.
