Marathon walker named Community Hero

Our Fosters Solicitors Community Hero for Norwich City’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Swansea City is former soldier Del Sullivan.

Since Thursday 18th April, Del has walked 26 miles around Norwich every day and will finish his 10th marathon at Carrow Road on Saturday ahead of the Canaries’ home game against the Swans.

Our community hero, who served with the British Army in Afghanistan, was severely injured in 2005 and lost part of his spine when an improvised explosive device detonated nearby.

As part of his journey back to recovery, he had to completely re-learn to walk again, all whilst battling with his mental health.

Throughout this recovery period, Del relied on the support from programmes within the Community Sports Foundation and the On Course Foundation.

The Community Sports Foundation is Norwich City’s official charity, who use the power of sport to support and inspire our community, driving the inclusion of people suffering from disabilities, mental health issues, and supporting disadvantaged people.

On Course Foundation aim to champion the recovery of injured and sick service personnel and veterans through nationwide golf events and re-employment into the golf industry.

He said: “My reason for undertaking this challenge is very simple; it’s to give people from all walks of life not only a second or third chance in life but for some, a first chance.

“I also needed a third chance after suffering from mental health issues over the last few years, and both of the charities mentioned played their part in my recovery.

“Now, it’s my turn to help others get the chances they need, so any amount donated would help thousands of others get their chance to live a life they truly deserve.”

The Community Sports Foundation also caught up with our Community Hero during his route on Wednesday afternoon.

Del said: “The first few days was okay, better than I thought it was going to be. The last few days have physically started catching up with me now. I know the mental challenge always knew that’s going to be tough, but I wasn’t anticipating it being this tough doing the same route twice a day for so many days.

“Some highlights so far include having surprise walkers tag along with me, my wife and children doing some parts, and even the first day having all the staff outside the stadium to see me off, I wasn’t expecting that. It was a good boost and I so appreciate it.”

Show your support to Del by visiting his Facebook or donating through his Just Giving page.

Since 2019, Fosters Solicitors have joined our primary partners Norwich City Football Club in highlighting the great work of local individuals and organisations in our community. Every month during the football season, a ‘Community Hero’ is chosen for a selected matchday – providing an opportunity to showcase that person(s), or initiatives, selfless work or important community campaign.