Story added: 18th February 2022

"I was mentally and physically going downhill. And then I saw Run For Me advertised."

In 2019, Brian Moore joined Run For Me, after his wife of 47 years passed away.

Following his bereavement, Brian’s physical and mental health plummeted. Once a keen runner and a member of running clubs, his fragile mental state meant he neglected his passion.

No longer participating in social activity and not exercising, left him stuck in a rut. Suffering from isolation and loneliness, he couldn’t muster the motivation to do anything about it. A diagnosis of depression soon followed.

Thankfully, Brian stumbled across a Facebook post from the Foundation, advertising the Run For Me programme.

Wanting to bring back some structure and direction in his everyday life, he made the big decision to try out a session.

“I needed a social group. And I needed a challenge, both mentally and physically to get back to being fit and healthy again,” said Brian.

The free Run For Me programme is split into two – one hour of running and a post-run social in The Nest cafeteria. With the support of lead coach Dudley Garner, participants are encouraged to discuss anything and everything and as much (or as little) as they feel comfortable doing.

For Brian at that time, the social element of the programme proved particularly invaluable. Interacting with the other participants – some dealing with their own trauma and wellbeing issues – allowed Brian to take some positive steps in his bereavement journey.

Most of all, Monday mornings at The Nest gave Brian the chance to smile once again.

“Run For Me is run professionally and allows us to challenge ourselves, but the light-hearted side of it makes it so we’re all happy and enjoying ourselves. For me, it is perfect for my reintroduction into joining community events again, as well as my personal needs.”

Thanks to Run For Me, Brian now feels more confident about going outside and meeting new people. The weekly run and chat has become a key part of his weekly routine.

“It’s a great way to start the week. It helps clear my mind and allows me to interact with the others in the group, many of whom I now consider friends.”

Run For Me takes place at The Nest every Monday at 10am. The programme is free thanks to the generous support of Foundation partners MassimoSky and the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund.

To find out more and sign up, click here.

💬 "I was mentally and physically going downhill. And then I saw Run For Me advertised."

On #WorldMentalHealthDay, see how our free community running programme is making a difference thanks to the kind support of @massimo_sky.

Find out more: https://t.co/zJyClI7Ero pic.twitter.com/5DZyxjB2K3

— Norwich City CSF (@NorwichCityCSF) October 10, 2021