From 20 Stone to BBC Radio Nottingham: Paul Shares the Runspire Story!

From struggling to walk into a running group to inspiring hundreds of people across Nottingham, Runspire Together founder Paul Hopkins joined Verity on BBC Radio Nottingham for a conversation full of laughter, inspiration and a few surprises!

On Friday 9th October, our founder Paul Hopkins popped into the BBC Radio Nottingham studio to chat with Verity about his personal running journey, the incredible community behind Runspire Together and the upcoming Run for Pudsey challenge in support of BBC Children in Need.

And, as you might expect from Paul, there was plenty of laughter along the way!

It All Started at Over 20 Stone...

Paul's journey into running began years ago, when he weighed over 20 stone and decided he needed to make a change.

The problem? He didn't particularly enjoy going to the gym.

Instead, he spotted some runners and thought:

"Oh, that looks fun. That looks all right. I could do that."

So he gave running a go.

And before long, he'd completed the London Marathon!

Verity was quick to jump in.

"Hold on, hold on, hold on. So, let me get this straight. So, you're 20 stone. You see somebody running and you think, 'Oh, that looks fun. I'll do that.' You put your trainers on, then you run the London Marathon!"

Paul laughed and reassured her there was a bit of a gap between those two events — about a year, in fact!

Since then, Paul has completed numerous half marathons, including the Robin Hood Half Marathon, and gone on to qualify as a personal trainer and run leader.

But perhaps his biggest achievement has been helping other people discover the joy of getting active.

From a Little Running Group to 210 People a Week!

During lockdown, Paul decided to train as a personal trainer and run leader. When restrictions lifted, he had an idea.

Why not start a little running group?

He set one up in Bulwell, not really expecting anyone to turn up.

But people did.

Then a few more arrived.

And then a few more!

Fast-forward to today, and Runspire Together has grown into a registered charity delivering 21 walking, Nordic Walking and running sessions every week, welcoming around 210 participant visits each week, supported by 30 amazing volunteers.

Paul joked with Verity:

"I struggle to remember the names!"

Verity was clearly impressed.

"Oh, I just love this! I just love how you've tapped into something that was clearly so needed."

And she's absolutely right. What started as a small running group has become something much bigger — a welcoming community helping people improve their physical and mental wellbeing, make friends and feel less alone.

The Hardest Part Is Getting Out the Door

One of the most powerful moments of the interview came when Paul explained why making people feel welcome is so important to him.

Because he knows exactly how frightening joining a running group can feel.

When Paul first started running, it took him three attempts to join a group.

"I'd drive to the running group and think, 'Oh, there's a big group of people,' and then drive home again. It took me three goes."

That experience helped shape the values at the heart of Runspire Together.

Everyone Welcome. No Pressure. No One Left Behind.

Paul explained that people regularly contact Runspire before joining a Couch to 5K programme, worried that they're overweight, too slow or might hold everyone else back.

His response is always reassuring.

"Don't worry about it. The most important thing for you to do is get out the door."

It's why our run leaders and volunteers make such an effort to welcome everyone, support beginners and ensure nobody feels left behind.

Because sometimes, simply finding the courage to turn up is the biggest achievement of all.

A Story That Left Everyone Speechless

Perhaps the most touching part of the conversation was when Paul shared the remarkable journey of one Runspire member.

When he first joined our Nordic Walking sessions, he was unable to communicate with the group through speech.

Over time, he grew in confidence, progressed through Nordic Walking and then completed Couch to 5K.

Now, he's signed up for the Robin Hood Half Marathon!

But it wasn't just his running progress that amazed everyone.

Paul explained that, until recently, the member would usually respond to questions using his phone or gestures.

Then one day, something wonderful happened.

He spoke to the group.

Paul recalled the moment with a huge sense of pride.

"Me and my chair of trustees, we just couldn't believe it — we about fell over when he told us."

And with typical Runspire humour, Paul added:

"Now you can't shut him up!"

It's a wonderful example of what can happen when someone feels safe, comfortable and part of a supportive community.

As Verity beautifully summed up:

"It's running, of course it's running — moving your body, getting fit, getting active. But it's confidence as well, and community."

And that's exactly what Runspire Together is all about.

Don't Take Running Too Seriously — Have Fun!

When Verity asked Paul for his top tips for people thinking about taking on the Run for Pudsey challenge, his advice was refreshingly simple.

"Take your time, don't rush it, don't set off too quickly, and just have fun."

Paul explained that joining a group can make getting started much easier, with the encouragement, friendship and support helping people keep going.

And at Runspire, having fun is a big part of every session!

Paul told Verity about the laughter, the music and the brilliant atmosphere at our sessions.

"We're waiting at traffic lights and people are dancing!"

Verity laughed:

"Now you're really noisy!"

Paul happily agreed!

But behind the laughter was an important message.

You don't have to take running too seriously. You don't have to be the fastest. And you certainly don't need to be hard on yourself.

Just enjoy it.

As Paul put it:

"Just getting out the door — that's the hardest bit."

Verity Puts Paul on the Spot!

Of course, the interview wasn't just about Runspire.

BBC Radio Nottingham is encouraging people across Nottinghamshire to get involved in the Run for Pudsey challenge, raising vital funds for BBC Children in Need.

The challenge runs from 1st to 13th November, with participants encouraged to walk, run or roll two miles a day, completing a marathon distance of 26.2 miles.

Then came Verity's big question.

"My question to you is: will you do it?"

Paul didn't hesitate.

"Yeah, definitely! Definitely! We'll see if we can get all our members to come along and do it as well."

Verity was delighted.

"Sign you up right here, right now!"

But Paul was already one step ahead.

"I've already signed up!"

There was, however, one very important condition attached to his studio appearance...

"I'm on to come as long as I get some Pudsey ears. That's all!"

Well, you can't take on a Children in Need challenge without a little bit of Pudsey magic!

Supporting Children in Need Means Something Special to Runspire

Towards the end of the interview, Paul explained why supporting BBC Children in Need is particularly meaningful to Runspire Together.

Through our partnership with the Bulwell Toy Library, we see first-hand the importance of community projects that support children and families.

"We know how important that Children in Need funding is, because we do a few walking projects with them. So just to help give back, it's going to be brilliant."

It's another opportunity for the Runspire community to come together, have fun and make a positive difference.

And we're looking forward to seeing how many of our members take on the challenge!

A Wonderful Morning at BBC Radio Nottingham

As the interview came to an end, Verity had some lovely words for Paul.

"Paul Hopkins, as you were hearing there, enthusiastic about running! I bet you're enthusiastic about life! I need you here every day!"

What a wonderful way to finish!

A huge thank you to Verity and the team at BBC Radio Nottingham for inviting Paul into the studio and giving us the opportunity to share the Runspire story.

From a nervous beginner who drove away from his first running group three times, to leading a charity that welcomes hundreds of people every week, Paul's journey is a reminder of just how much can change when you take that first step.

And the best part?

There are so many more stories still to come.

Come and Be Part of the Story!

Whether you're thinking about trying running for the first time, joining a walking group, taking on Couch to 5K or supporting the Run for Pudsey challenge, we'd love you to be part of our community.

You don't need to be fit. You don't need to be fast. You just need to turn up.

Everyone Welcome. No Pressure. No One Left Behind.

Find out more at www.runspiretogether.com.

Learn more about the Children in Need challenge at www.bbc.co.uk/runforpudsey.

Because at Runspire Together, we're not just helping people run. We're helping people find their confidence, their friendships and their community.