David Allan, 44, from Kenton, is celebrating three and a half years of sobriety after battling addiction, and is now preparing to run 100 miles around a roundabout this winter to raise funds for the local charity Gym Possible.
After taking up running to help rebuild his life, David has progressed from struggling to run two miles on the Quayside to completing marathons, triathlons, and climbing mountains. During the worst points of his addiction, his mental health deteriorated as he battled his own thoughts.
From addiction to marathon runner
David said: “I believed that was it. I was worthless. Through running I took control of my life again.” Starting in January 2023, he began to move forward step by step, despite the challenges.
He added: “I changed what I was doing. I started moving. I started doing difficult things. I started pushing myself. I started showing up! Even when my head told me not to. And slowly, life changed.” For David, sobriety, exercise, the gym, and running are closely linked, and with support from his wife Lisa, his children, friends, and family, he has managed to transform his own life and help others.
Inspiring others and building community
David said: “I wanted my kids to be proud of me. That’s all I wanted.” He has not only maintained his sobriety but has also completed fundraising tasks, run marathons, and climbed mountains over recent months.
He offered encouragement to others facing similar struggles: “You can do it. You really can do it. Put one foot in front of the other. Your mind is such a convincing liar.” Documenting his journey on social media, he has inspired many and even started a running club in January, which welcomes beginners and focuses on meeting everyone at their own pace, building strength together, and creating a supportive community.
Fundraising for Gym Possible
David said seeing people come together, enjoy themselves, and watch their confidence grow is “an amazing feeling.” His desire to help others, as he was helped, inspired him to fundraise for Gym Possible while combining two goals: running 100 miles and running around a roundabout where his fitness journey began.
Gym Possible is a local charity that ensures everyone has access to exercise and gym equipment by providing specialist equipment, inclusive approaches, financial accessibility, and a welcoming, safe environment. David was inspired to donate after Lisa ran her first marathon to raise funds for the charity, following inspiration from Drew Graham, who set up Gym Possible and took part in the Great North Run in 2025 with friends and family, setting a world record for the fastest half marathon pushing a wheelchair.
This winter, David will run 100 miles around a roundabout to raise money to help the charity support more people who need exercise for their physical and mental health. Readers can donate via the provided link and follow David’s journey on his social media.
