What started as a light-hearted joke among friends watching the London Marathon has evolved into a life-changing passion for Paul Ryman.
With multiple marathons under his belt and hundreds of pounds raised for Alexandra House of Joy, what began as mere banter has transformed into a meaningful mission. Inspired by the marathon spectacle, Paul felt a surge of motivation when his workplace called for volunteers to compete. Little did he know, this invitation would ignite a fire within him, leading him to the starting line of countless races. Undeterred by his colleagues’ playful jibes of “You’re mad!” he wholeheartedly embraced the challenge.
Battling Doubts: The Grit Behind Every Mile
When I asked Paul how he managed to conquer his first marathon, he kept it straightforward: “I just trained and trained and trained.” However, I could sense the underlying challenges as he shared, “It’s not about being the fastest. Sometimes, it’s just about getting to the finish line—even if you walk parts of it.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at that. I always thought there was some magical formula to marathon running—maybe a secret stash of repulsive energy gels or an expensive subscription to a protein powder club! It’s comforting to know that even seasoned runners have their moments of doubt. For Paul, training was more than just building stamina; it was a test of willpower, with each mile imparting valuable lessons in resilience.
Since his marathon debut, Paul has participated in numerous races, including the local Blenheim Palace five mile run and the stunning Silverstone Marathon. His most recent achievement was completing the Great North Run earlier this month, where he ran a half marathon in support of Alexandra House of Joy.
Paul reflects warmly on these races, emphasising that the camaraderie among fellow runners fuels his motivation.
The Heart of the Run: Community, Camaraderie, and Celebrity Encounters
In his journey, Paul has crossed paths with some well-known figures in the running world. At the 2009 London Marathon, he ran part of the race with Peter Andre—who even introduced Paul to the crowd as his friend—and briefly met Katie Price. Another memorable moment was a casual chat with David Cameron at the Blenheim 5-mile run, only to realise later he’d been speaking to a future Prime Minister! Celebrities like Sting, Ant and Dec, Helen Skelton, and Jude Law have all been involved in supporting these inspiring races. But Paul’s best advice for newcomers?
“Don’t be afraid to walk.”
It’s a reminder that running isn’t just about speed; it’s about the community and shared experiences along the way. It’s not exactly what you’d expect from someone who’s taken on multiple marathons, but he’s the first to remind you that sometimes, it’s about finishing the race, not sprinting through it. If walking is acceptable, then perhaps we all have a chance!
A Business with Heart: Storage Giant’s Role in Community Support
Beyond the track, Paul oversees the Bicester branch of Storage Giant, where his spirit of giving is deeply woven into the company’s ethos.
Storage Giant has become a key supporter of Alexandra House of Joy, offering secure and reliable storage for charity event equipment. The staff? Just as friendly and helpful as Paul himself.
Storage Giant offers more than just a place to stash your stuff—they’ve got affordable, reliable storage for everything from your winter wardrobe to that awkward stack of boxes you keep meaning to sort. The Bicester branch, like all Storage Giant locations, offers a welcoming environment with friendly, helpful staff who go above and beyond—from assisting with heavy lifting to ensuring belongings are handled with care, making every customer experience as smooth as possible.
Fuelling the Fire: Nutrition and Preparation for Upcoming Challenges
As our conversation flowed, I was curious about how Paul was preparing for the upcoming Great South Run, just a month after completing the Great North Run. He mentioned focusing on nutrition, incorporating pasta and bananas to fuel his training.
Paul runs not only for personal achievement but also to support a cause dear to his heart—Alexandra House of Joy—with every step. “When the run gets tough, I think of the people the charity helps,” Paul says. The desire to make a tangible difference propels him forward, mile after mile.
Paul had an unexpected adventure at the Great North Run. Due to the overwhelming turnout, he ended up parking a whopping 5.2 miles from the start line. By the time he arrived, he was already feeling the strain! But after crossing the finish line, his hotel offered him a sweet gesture—two Mars bars and water. It was a small but thoughtful touch that made the long day a bit sweeter.
“Treat people how you want to be treated,” he reminded me, embodying a spirit of kindness that is so vital in our community.
Running for Joy: Supporting Adults with Profound Learning Disabilities
Alexandra House of Joy is Oxfordshire’s heart for adults with profound learning disabilities. We’re more than a charity; we’re a community committed to building a place where everyone is safe, supported, and surrounded by dignity and joy. With your support, we’re creating a space that meets both their physical and emotional needs.
We are currently fundraising to build a state-of-the-art day centre, which will offer essential services including day care, respite, critical care, and end-of-life support. This future facility will feature eight bedrooms, a sensory garden, a music room, and dedicated spaces for art and crafts, providing a safe and nurturing environment. Paul’s fundraising efforts are crucial in helping us reach our goal of making Alexandra House a reality.
Inspiration for All: Paul’s Encouragement to New Runners
Paul’s message is uplifting: anyone can run. He believes that running is accessible to all and can be a source of joy and personal accomplishment. He highlighted the availability of various race distances, including 5K runs and races designed for children, ensuring that there are opportunities for everyone to participate and fundraise.
As he prepares for his next long-distance run in support of Alexandra House of Joy, I invite everyone to contribute to Paul’s fundraising campaign. If you’re available on October 20th, come join us at Alexandra House of Joy to cheer Paul on as he crosses the finish line at the Great South Run in Portsmouth.
Paul’s journey transcends running; it embodies finding purpose in every step. Whether he’s pacing through the streets of Portsmouth or lending a helping hand at Storage Giant, he reminds us that it’s not where you start, but where you go next that truly matters.
Whether you’re in the crowd cheering Paul on, donating a few quid, or lacing up your own running shoes— you’re helping turn the dream of Alexandra House into a reality!
