Ian Richards

(Next plc) The only sporting achievement that Ian had when leaving school was 3rd place in a wheelbarrow race. However, he found a sport and at 32 was selected for the 1980 Olympics 50km walk. He has been sharing his story with youngsters and others inspiring them to believe that everyone is good at something, you just have to find it and them keep at it. Over the last 30 years he has been a Cub Scout Leader, run a Duke of Edinburgh award programme, youth clubs and sunday schools. Almost every year her has been giving up weekends and holidays to run special events and camps. over the last 5 years he has been involved in organising and coaching at sports camps arounds the country on behalf of the Salvation Army.He is still going strong at 63 not just in working with youngsters but inspiring by continuing to participate himself. In 2008 he took part in a 100 milke walking race which he won. In 2009 he raced the Marathon des Sables, one of the world's toughest races of a marathon a day for a week across the Sahara desert. He noe competes in World Masters Athletic Championships and became a European Champion in 2010 and won 3 bronze medals in the 2011 World Championships. Ian belongs to the Salvation Army and is always pushing and trying to help others do more than they think they can, no matter how big or small it might be. His own story shows what's possible.