Not long ago, I had the opportunity to meet a local community-run group which I found inspiring – Recovery Runners.
The club aims to create a sense of community to support people on their personal recovery journeys. So I was excited to catch up with the group again on Thursday evening at their awareness-raising event held at Leeds Golf Centre.
Hosted in partnership with the Parklane Foundation, the event brought together supporters and people with lived experience to highlight the positive impact that Recovery Runners is having across Leeds. There were personal stories shared, opportunities to connect, and a clear sense of how sport, movement and community can play a vital role in recovery.
The event opened with the representatives from Parklane Foundation, who have partnered with the club over the past year to support its growth and expand its reach. After introducing the partnership and reflecting on the progress made so far, the mic was handed to club founders Dean Smith and Jamie Heselden. Both gave heartfelt speeches about the origins of Recovery Runners, the positive impact it has had, and the incredible growth of the community across Leeds.
Following that, long-time supporter and club ambassador Noel Whelan, former Leeds United player, was brought up for a short Q&A led by Hanif Malik, Director of the Parklane Foundation. Noel shared some of the standout moments from his football career, before reflecting on his connection to Recovery Runners and why he’s so passionate about being involved.
The rest of the evening was an opportunity to connect with people over dinner. It was great to spend some time with Dean and Jamie, catching up properly after their speeches. They both have such a natural way of making you feel at ease, it’s hard not to feel uplifted when talking with them, and I always find myself smiling through our conversations. Their sharing how the past few months have unfolded, and the momentum Recovery Runners continues to build, was lovely to hear. Their passion and authenticity are at the heart of the club’s success, and it was clear that the community is going to continue to thrive with them at the heart of it.
I also had the chance to chat with Hanif and his team, who have been a big part in supporting the group’s development. Our conversation highlighted the passion behind the partnership and the work that’s gone into supporting the club— from helping to get the club registered as a charity, to creation of a Recovery Runners website (www.recoveryrunners.org). It was encouraging to hear how aligned they are with the mission of creating spaces where people feel supported, connected and part of something bigger than themselves.
To round off the evening, I was lucky enough to be able to speak to Noel. Genuinely, what a lovely person. His warmth, enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and it was clear how much pride he takes in being able to support Recovery Runners. What stood out most was the way he spoke about the club’s mission, not just as an initiative he endorses, but also as something that resonates with him personally. Having someone with his platform championing the cause feels powerful; it shows the reach and importance of what Recovery Runners is building.
I was glad to be able to take part in the evening and to see first-hand the energy and commitment of
everyone involved. With the continued support of partners like the Parklane Foundation and ambassadors like Noel Whelan, the club is well-positioned to grow its reach and deepen its impact. Groups like Recovery Runners show what can be achieved when people come together to support one another – creating healthier, stronger and more connected communities.
The club meets every Sunday morning from 9.30 at Reynolds Boxing Academy – all are welcome.
