Hi Andrew, what do you do for a living?
I am a clerk working in the booking and scheduling department at Rochdale Infirmary.
How and why did you first get involved with RRC?
I decided to join Ramsbottom Running Club based on words of wisdom from the wonderful Katy Whitwell! When I was training for my half marathon last year I did a lot of it in Ramsbottom and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately my guide runner was unable to continue running with me after we had completed the Great North Run in September.
From September through to December I was missing getting out and going for a run and Katie suggested that Ramsbottom Running Club might be the place for me... and here I am!
What is your favourite running memory or moment?
I have only been running for 2 1/2 years but my favourite moment was undoubtedly going under two hours for the first time in a half marathon in the 2019 Great North Run. Sir Mo went past me at just under 6 miles - I would like to say I had held him off for that time but we did set off 20 minutes before him! We were lucky enough that when we came over the finish line the TV cameras were on us - it was a very emotional day with great highs but also some emotional lows, a day that will live long in the memory!!
Who would be your 4 fantasy dinner guests (dead or alive)?
Paula Radcliffe, Brendan Foster, Peter Kay and Kevin Keegan
What is your pre-race routine?
I don’t really have a pre-race routine but the night prior to doing my Great North Run I did have a nice big portion of fish, chips and mushy peas so I think I would probably go with that!
OK onto the quick-fire round…
Favourite book?
From light to dark the story of Dave Heeley.
He is someone I have known for a number of years and you could say he is my hero and running inspiration (just don’t tell him I said that!) He wants to run seven marathons in seven consecutive days on seven different continents. He also did John O’Groats to Lands End - some cycling, some running. The book is a fantastic read and is about his younger years, how he dealt with his sight loss and about the charity events he has done.
Favourite film?
The Fog, Roadhouse, oh and yes from my younger years Grease!! Did I really just admit that?!
Favourite band?
Meat Loaf, Bon Jovi and my favourite singer is Leona Lewis. When I am feeling in not such a happy place and need to have something uplifting I often play ‘Run’ by Leona Lewis.
Who is your running hero?
Paula Radcliffe - inspirational not for me to run faster as these legs are not getting any younger, but to enjoy running and to challenge my legs to run further.
What would you choose as your Mastermind specialist subject?
Possibly the successes of Newcastle United as there have not been many so I should not have too many questions to answer!
You are in lockdown and can only eat one thing for the next 21 days, what are you having?
Scotch Pies!