Pocklington runner to take on seven-race challenge in full cricket gear for charity
A former headteacher from Pocklington is preparing for an extraordinary endurance challenge - running two marathons and five half-marathons while wearing full cricket whites, pads, gloves and carrying a cricket bat.
Richard Williman, who is taking on races across the UK and as far as Sydney, will complete the events between April 26 and September 27 under the nickname “The Running Cricketer”, raising money and awareness for the Ruth Strauss Foundation.
“A never-ending journey”
Williman says his fundraising and awareness work is far from over, describing it as an ongoing commitment rather than a one-off challenge.
“The work that I’ve been trying to do… is not finished. It’s a never-ending journey,” he said.
“I feel this is probably the start more than the end.”
He added that previous events have only strengthened his determination to continue supporting the charity.
Inspired by personal loss
The challenge is deeply personal for Williman, whose wife Erika died in 2022 after being diagnosed with incurable cancer.
He says her strength continues to motivate him during tough moments in training and competition.
“My go-to when things are difficult is to remember what I saw Erika go through,” he said.
“She did it with such determination… always about others. That’s my inspiration.”
He added that when running becomes physically difficult, those memories help him push through.
“When you hit that 20-plus miles and you’re thinking this is getting a little bit hard now… those are my go-tos,” he said.
Raising awareness through sport
Williman says he has enjoyed taking on endurance events in recent years, and sees the unusual cricket-themed challenge as a way to keep raising the profile of the foundation.
He will be instantly recognisable on race days, running in full cricket kit and carrying a bat throughout each course.
Despite the added weight and physical challenge, he says the response from the public has helped carry him through previous events.
“There is the extra weight… but the support is fantastic,” he said.
“That does lift you and take you along.”
Supporting families facing bereavement
The Ruth Strauss Foundation was set up by former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss in memory of his wife Ruth, who died from lung cancer in 2018.
It provides emotional support for families preparing for the death of a parent and promotes awareness of pre-bereavement care.
Williman says that work is vital, and he is urging people to get involved.
“Please do reach out to the foundation,” he said.
“They do such great work… support them in any way that you can.”
He also encouraged people to learn more about the charity and its training resources for healthcare professionals and educators.
Seven races, one mission
Over the coming months, Williman will take on races in cities including London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham, as well as Sydney, continuing his mission to raise funds and awareness - one run at a time.