A FUNDRAISER who shed the pounds through his newfound love of running is hoping to raise plenty of pounds (sterling) for a homeless charity by taking part in the Wickersley 10K.

Chris Hickman, of Bramley, is gearing up for the start-line to raise funds for Shiloh Rotherham – after his healthy new hobby helped him go from 21st 5lbs to 16st.

The 27-year-old was inspired to take part in this year's sold-out event – on Sunday, March 8 – by his employers at International Energy Products, where he works as a deputy shop floor supervisor.

He hopes to raise £1,000 and also inspire donors through his weight-loss challenge.

HEALTHY HOBBY: Chris Hickman is fundraising for Shiloh Rotherham at the Wickersley 10K

placeholder image — HEALTHY HOBBY: Chris Hickman is fundraising for Shiloh Rotherham at the Wickersley 10K

Chris said: “I watched other people taking part in the Wickersley 10K last year and thought ‘I’m going to do that too.’

“I work for a great company which has a strong charitable ethos, so when my CEO Emma Parkinson said the company was keen to support a homeless charity, I was all for it.

“I knew I needed to be fitter, slimmer and healthier to tackle the race so I started running short distances.

“I really struggled at first, particularly over Christmas.

“But I’ve kept at it, despite a back injury, tried new approaches and utilised a running app.

“I’ve definitely caught the running bug.

“I love it and can’t wait for race day.”

Shiloh, based at Station Road in Rotherham, provides food, clothing, shower and laundry facilities, access to technology, and one-to-one support and wellbeing advice for adults who are homeless, or facing homelessness.

CEO Sarah Smart said: “It means a great deal that Chris has chosen to take on the Wickersley 10K for Shiloh and we hope that his personal weight-loss and running journey will inspire others to sponsor him.

“It’s an exciting time for Shiloh as we launch our 2026 events calendar and we hope Chris’ challenge will encourage other runners to tackle South Yorkshire’s iconic races in aid of Shiloh this year.”

In addition to the Wickersley 10K, the charity is appealing for runners to sign up for the Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday, March 29, the Sheffield 10K on Sunday, 17 September 2026, and the Rotherham 10K (date TBA).

Support Chris via Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chrishickman.

For more information about how to support Shiloh, contact the charity’s fundraiser Suzanne Rutter on 01709 559504 or [email protected].