“Recovery Runners has become a second home to me – everyone there is like my running family.”
Following the passing of both his parents, for whom he was a fulltime carer, Matt Doherty joined Recovery Runners to carve out some time for himself. It’s since become an integral part of his life.
2nd July 2023 was the day I walked through the door at Recovery Runners. I remember meeting Dean and having a chat about what made me join. As I was telling Dean about my Dad’s health battle and his passing, which had greatly affected me, I was met with great empathy and understanding. From just that one meeting I knew Recovery Runners was where I belonged. During the first 5K that I ran with both Adelaide and Claire, who helped me feel comfortable, checking I was ok and having a general chat. I’ve always referred to Claire as my first ever running buddy.
Two months prior to joining, I’d seen and read about Recovery Runners on someone’s social media, at the time I was struggling with anxiety and depression after losing my Dad to cancer. On top of this I was also working full time while caring for my Mum who had previously been diagnosed with a brain tumour and had a stroke. This had seriously impacted her way of life both mentally and physically.
My week was very much working Monday to Friday while supporting and caring for my Mum when needed. Joining Recovery Runners enabled me to get that bit of time to myself and to get out and mix with others. As time went on and I went to Recovery Runners more and more, it helped me cope and manage daily life. Gradually I was starting to open up and be able to mix more. While from time to time I still have my dips in mood, I always know Recovery Runners is a place I can go and forget my troubles for a while. But its also somewhere I can feel comfortable in opening up and talking about sensitive things with people, and where everyone accepts you for who you are. You can have a laugh and a joke with people too.
As the weeks and months went by, my Mum could see how much I was enjoying going and the positive impact it was having on my depression and anxiety. Recovery Runners was firmly becoming a fixture in my weekly routine. Since then, there has also been the addition of the Wednesday group.
The run leads Dean and Jamie don’t only encourage you to keep coming to the running, but if you have any groups outside of Recovery Runners – in my case Andys Man Club – they will also encourage you to attend them. This gave me the push I needed as I’d got out of the habit and routine of going. As often as possible now I will ensure that I attend Andys Man Club on a Monday, and Recovery Runners on a Wednesday and Sunday. It also gives me something to look forward to through the week and at the weekend.
Recovery Runners has now become a second home to me and everyone there is like my running family.
