Having recently signed up for MAN v FAT Rugby in Northampton, David Hyde is set to take on a tough physical challenge in July.
David will be undertaking the Gower Peninsula Ultra challenge, covering over 50km of tricky terrain. He’s aiming to raise funds for the Northampton Guardian programme in the town and we caught up with him to find out more.
Talk to us about your upcoming fundraising endeavour and how you’re feeling about the task in hand?
I will be doing the Gower Peninsula 50km (around 30 miles) Ultra Challenge, which is one on the hardest Ultras due to the constant change in elevation. I’m going to run as much as possible, which is one of the reasons I have joined MAN vs FAT Northampton to shed the weight.
I managed to raise £3,124 for Pancreatic Cancer in 2024 when I completed the South Coast Ultra in 2024 which took 14 hours and 91,000 steps.
It’s going to be one hell of a challenge but with the help of MAN v FAT Northampton I know I will do it!
How do the Northampton Guardians help people in the town each week?
After the tragic events of India Chipchase’s murder in Northampton in 2016 the Northampton Guardians was formed, to provide much needed support to females and males enjoying the night-time economy.
The Guardians rely on public donations alongside the volunteer hours of its team to help to keep the streets safe, and they strive to ensure that those tragic events will not be repeated and no other family will have the endure the pain of the Chipchase family.
Whenever I’m in Northampton at the weekends, I always give them as much as possible as it could be my daughter, wife, mother or any other member of my family who needs help and these amazing volunteers are always there no matter what the weather to help anyone.
You’ve recently signed up for MAN v FAT Rugby in Northampton, what are your early impressions and why did you decide to get started?
I signed up to MAN v FAT Rugby Northampton to help shift some weight, as an ex-rugby player and a season ticket holder for the past 15 years at the Saints it’s a massive draw to be able to play at the Saints. My first impressions are fantastic, in the past I never weighed myself BUT now being weighed every week really helps me focus on not snacking during the day and cutting back on the beer.
What a great group of supportive lads in my team not only on a Thursday but the support everyone gives via the Whatsapp chat is great. I even get my kit out ready first thing on a Thursday morning so its ready from the game on Thursday night!
How are you hoping being a part of the programme might help get you ready for the challenge in July?
Being part of the MAN v FAT programme is really going to help me not only lose weight but also improve my general fitness for this massive challenge in July.
What are your hopes for your long-term health and wellbeing?
My long term hope is to lose and keep off some weight, the % targets will be a big motivation for sure. By being able to play rugby again (even though its T1, and at my age I have realised this is ideal) with a great bunch of lads really helps my mental wellbeing. Even if I can’t play on a Thursday evening I will always turn up for the team and ensure I support / encourage them.
With all the troubles gong on around the world and all the negative news constantly on the TV, its fantastic to pull on my boots, have a game of rugby and walk out at the end of the evening with a bloody big smile!
Want to support David’s efforts?
David is well on his way to raising £1,000 but we’d love to help him raise more! You can donate at his fundraising page here – thanks in advance for your generosity.
