AS THE world gathered to celebrate the closing of the Olympic Games one athlete is lacing up his running shoes once again.
After years of retirement, Nick Hayes-Sinclair is making a remarkable comeback to running, supported by and encouraged by his care home friends and family.
The 75-year-old has made his home at Thornton Hall and Lodge near Liverpool for the last 17 months. He never thought he would return to running due to health issues, but the care
Activities coordinator Emily Dickson said: “We always watch the athletics with Nick, and his passion for running is still as strong as ever. He often mentioned how much he’d love to go for a run again.
“With the Olympics underway, we felt it was the perfect opportunity to help him get back on his feet, starting with short distances in the garden. Supporting him in rekindling his passion has been incredibly heartwarming.”
Nick’s running journey began in the early 1980s, inspired by his older brother, Tom. The brothers initially took to the tracks together as members of the Southport/Waterloo Running Club.
Although Tom eventually hung up his running shoes, Nick’s passion only grew stronger. This commitment to running became a defining part of Nick’s life, one that he has carried with him across the world, participating in countless races, each with its own story and significance.
Nick’s participation in the original Athens Marathon holds a special place. Running in the birthplace of the marathon, and his ancestral homeland, was a once in a lifetime experience that connected him to both his heritage and the history of the sport.
Nick has conquered many marathons and long-distance runs, including the London Marathon, the Newcastle Marathon, the Turkey Trot and the Crosby 10, which he has completed more than 20 times.