Recovery Runners is a community founded in 2021 by Jamie Heselden and Dean Smith, both from Leeds.
Jamie and Dean used running as part of their recovery from alcohol addiction and wanted to help others do the same.
They first began running in 2017, when they took part in the Abbey Dash – a 10km (6.2 mile) charity race in Leeds. Both were attempting Couch to 5K programmes, Jamie with Spacious Places, a drug rehabilitation centre in Leeds, and Dean with Growing Rooms.
They decided to do something together, posted it on social media, and went viral overnight.
The community was initially set up to support people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, but now welcomes anyone who wants to socialise or train in a non-judgemental environment. Members include people with eating disorders, gambling issues, PTSD, anxiety, depression and recovery from long illness.
The club has gone from strength to strength and now welcomes anyone who wants to build physical activity into their recovery, or use its benefits to improve their mental health. There are 1,200 members of the online community worldwide, with up to 40 runners meeting every Sunday morning between 9.30am and 10am at Reynolds Boxing Academy in Halton Moor.
The club is supported by boxer Jack Bateson, former professional footballer Noel Whelan, Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire Alison Lowe, and boxer Ebanie Bridges.
Dean Smith
Dean, 54, is originally from Beeston. At his worst, he was seven and a half stone, doubly incontinent, homeless, and had malnutrition. He attempted to take his own life three times in 2006. Alcohol ruled his life and came before anything and anyone else. He is now 18 years sober after joining a 12 Step programme, where he continues to go today.
A qualified run leader, run coach, Sight Leader and Mental Health First Aider, he also runs Couch to 5k groups in partnership with Andy’s Man Club, 5 Ways and Forward Leeds.
Dean: “You straight away notice the benefits of positive mental health and physical exercise. I definitely poo-pooed that before starting – I thought it was a load of rubbish. But then I started feeling better by doing something physical.”
Jamie Heselden
Jamie, 47, is from Halton Moor. He would reach for a drink as soon as he woke up and was told he would die if he didn’t stop. He also used cocaine. He lost his family but finally conquered his habit when he engaged with Spacious Places and other rehab services. He is 10 years sober and a qualified PT specialising in boxing.
Jamie: “I went from being a 24-hour drinker to getting out and doing a run. After that, you feel great.I can’t describe the feeling you get – it’s amazing – and every runner I’ve spoken to says the same. It makes you feel better about yourself, it releases the endorphins in your brain, and you just feel great.”
Main image: Recovery Runners founders with Jovanni Stirling aka Graft, founder of Come Outside.
