PfP’s chief executive opens up on his health journey

Whether that is building whole new garden towns like a 10,000-home new community in Gilston, Hertfordshire, or smaller but equally important projects like installing one-bed modular units in Eastville, Bristol for homeless people, it all feeds into a bigger long-term plan laser-focused on social responsibility.

In much the same way, running the equivalent of just over 3.5 miles every single day, or 8,000 5k park runs, was not something I set out to achieve when I started running 20 years ago. But it is a point along the way of my ongoing personal crusade to improve and manage my health, a crusade that began when I found out that I had Type 2 Diabetes.

I remember the day in 2006 vividly. I was seeing the doctor about a minor ailment. They had done some blood tests and that’s when they hit me with it. I had no symptoms, and it was a real shock.

I track, count and measure things. When I was diagnosed, I decided to start running and bought a pair of Nike trainers that had an insert in the sole that connected to my iPod. I’ve used the same app ever since, all of which is recorded, which is how I know exactly how far I’ve run.

I’d always been “stocky”, as my gran would say. I lost and gained weight in a rollercoaster fashion as I started on different drugs to control my blood sugar. I ran a fair bit and walked more – step-counting was my thing – but my health didn’t improve, and I was on a slippery slope of increased medication.

Then in August 2017, I had another life-altering conversation with my diabetes consultant who, during one of my regular check-ups, delivered the bombshell I needed to make big changes and lose weight. If I carried on as I was, I faced being blind, or even dead.

Cue stunned silence. I’d been diabetic for 11 years and no one had ever been that blunt. It was now a matter of life and death.

I was at a loss as to what to do next, but then something pivotal happened. I told my friends and family what I was facing. With the incredible and constant support and encouragement of my family and friends I embarked on a transformation of sorts.

I changed my diet drastically and stepped up my running. I also had, via something called a Freestyle Libre, a new monitor permanently in my arm, to track my glucose.

“If I carried on as I was, I faced being blind, or even dead”

Eight years later, I’m seven stone lighter. The annual running challenges commenced as a way of driving me along and raising money for Diabetes UK, Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham and a few other charities.

I’ve now managed to raise over £100,000 for these causes, and since I joined PfP I’ve had amazing support from colleagues across the Housing sector for which I am eternally grateful. And if you have a couple of pounds spare, this is the link to my latest challenge, which was christened “blood, sugar, sweat and tears” because, well, that’s what it was all about.

We’ve got a real running culture here at PfP now as well. Last month 99 PfP teammates and I took part in the Together for Homes 5k in Battersea Park, raising £10,000 for Crisis. And our virtual running club is up to over 400 members now, who share their journeys and encourage each other.  

Since finishing my run around the world earlier this month I’ve been asked a few times “what’s next?” I honestly don’t know.

What I do know is that I will continue to manage my health one day at a time. At the same time, I will lead an organisation that is doing great things to build communities, change lives, and create a brighter, more sustainable future. One step at a time. 

Greg Reed, chief executive, Places for People