I first found out about The Thomas Theyer Foundation through a friend of Chris Theyer’s. We went to an open mic night that was supporting the charity and I discovered why and how the charity was founded.

It was after this in 2017 that I met Chris on the C25k group organised by the Buxton Athletics Club (BAC). Chris explained that Thomas had been a junior BAC member and was a keen runner. The training each week gave us an opportunity to chat, and Chris shared her hopes for the charity and the importance that it should support young people in the outdoor environment. Thomas had benefitted greatly from his physical activities and his love of the outdoors. After we completed our first 5km run at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, I put my name down for volunteering with TTF.

The great thing about volunteering is that it is so varied, and you get to meet lots of lovely people whilst supporting such a great cause. I think my favourite volunteering experience for TTF was this year at the carnival race in Buxton. After a 2 year break due to lockdown it was overwhelming to see BAC members again, who were so happy to be running and supporting TTF wearing the charities yellow running tops.  It was such an amazing race; the atmosphere was fantastic. It was so great to see two young adults Thomas’ age coming first and second.

I have seen the charity grow and I think the new counselling service is such a valuable asset to the charity and will help support so many young people struggling with their mental health.

My least favourite moment as a volunteer (I know Chris won’t mind me saying this) was stripping the old anaglypta wallpaper off the walls and ceiling of the TTF Sports and Outdoors Charity Shop in Buxton, before it opened in 2018. It was well worth it though, the shop looked transformed and the photo wall in the shop with all the people that have supported the charity is a wonderful way to encourage people to get stuck in and do a fundraiser or give volunteering a go!