AS A centre half, Luke Graham jokes he's not a big fan of running – but the ex-Kettering Town defender will be leading the way as the Poppies aim to raise money for local mental health charities.
The 34-year-old former Forest Green Rovers, Luton, Hereford United, Alfreton and Brackley man will be setting off on a 26.2 mile run on Sunday, April 4 as part of a big community fundraiser.
On the same day, KTFC Education Scheme students and Academy players – headed up by Graham – as well as their community teams will all be taking on their own challenges for the fundraiser that has already seen more than £3,500 pledged.
Poppies first teamers Connor Kennedy, Gary Stohrer and Ben Milnes will also run a combined marathon and Graham says everyone is feeling the benefit of getting involved.
“With our students we've found, especially through lockdown, that more are coming out and saying they're suffering with their mental health,” Graham told The NLP.
“We've got our academy players, U7s all the way up to the first team, over 300 boys and girls who are missing out on a lot as well as schooling. I spoke to our community trust and said it would be a great idea to do a running event we can all train for.
“I'm at the top doing a marathon and we've got our U7 girls team doing a couple of miles each to combine for 26 miles. Over 300 people at various ages are joining in, all doing their own challenges. On Sunday, April 4 at 8am at your chosen route, there will be loads of people out in the Kettering and Burton Latimer area exercising and trying to complete the goal they started 12 weeks' ago.
“It's been tremendous. Everyone has been sharing their work and the feedback has been great and given a focus to work towards. For some of our boys who are covering a half-marathon, not many their age would think of doing something like that, so it will be a great achievement. And for our football squads of little kids to be all joining in, it's something they will look back on that they achieved and contributed to a really good sum of money.
Focus
“It's even the parents and coaches who haven't been able to do what they love – they're all joining in. Some on their bikes, some walking, some running, it's been great.”
Graham retired before Christmas after experiencing problems with blurred vision when he headed the ball. Checks and scans have come back all clear so far but he has thrown himself into his Kettering academy role as well as with Future Lions, who are owned by Kettering owner Ritchie Jeune and have 350 football students across eight sites in the west Midlands.
And the challenge has given him a real focus.
“Being a centre-half I've never been a huge fan of running,” Graham joked. “It's been an interesting challenge for me, figuring out tactics and nutrition. The furthest I've gone is 20 miles – it's tough.
“We've got the coaches and squads involved. Some of the Kettering first team players are doing 8.73 miles each to cover the 26. It's been great to get as many people involved as possible. I'm lucky to have made some good relationships over the years and the support from so many ex-team-mates and clubs has been fantastic.
“We've got a few good charities lined-up in Northamptonshire we will be able to give valuable money to help.
“Over the last year mental health has been highlighted more than ever and I think there will be people suffering for a while yet. To get some money into the charities will be great to help out with the aftermath of Covid as well.”
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