Inspirational PE teacher runs 10K barefoot every day to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society

A remarkable PE teacher, Phill Hayward, from Our Lady of Pity Catholic Primary School, Greasby, has pledged to run 10 kilometres barefoot every day for a year, to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. 

Phill, who has worked at the school for 16 years, is currently six months into his gruelling fundraising campaign.

Since July 2024, he braved all kinds of weather, including the snow and ice that hit the Wirral in early January. So far, Phill has raised over £6,000 for the charity which he holds close to his heart.

In 2015, Phill’s grandad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Phill has witnessed the emotional and physical toll the diagnosis has had on his beloved grandad and everyone around him.  

This isn’t the first time Phill has embarked on such an intense fundraising initiative. In 2020, he ran 10 kilometres a day for a year in aid of mental health and suicide prevention in men, raising over £25,000 for local charity, Wirral Mind.

Phill said: “It was single-handedly the hardest thing I have ever achieved in my life. It took a huge toll on my body physically and mentally. Three years on after completing the challenge, I have decided to hit the tarmac again and take it even further by doing it in bare feet.”

“By the time I have completed this challenge, it would be 10 years since my grandad’s diagnosis. Alzheimer’s has taken so much from my family, especially my nan and my mum. It has been heartbreaking to watch.

He added: “My grandad is housebound with my family by his side. He is the bravest and strongest man I know and sadly he has no idea about the immense challenge I’m undertaking, but I know he would be proud of me.”

Phill shared that the recent frost and ice posed significant challenges, making it particularly tough on his feet. He said: “If I had started my challenge in that weather, it may have stopped me from continuing. I’ve had a few blisters and cuts, but I’ve become acclimatised to it!”

When asked which terrain he favours, Phill revealed that he favours concrete. Despite wet grass being easy to run in, hard grass and sand is tough on his feet. 

Staff and pupils at Our Lady of Pity Catholic Primary School have been supporting Phill, especially through the colder months, with teachers running with him or children cheering him on. 

Head of school, Mrs Kathryn Dunne, commented: “We all think Mr Hayward is absolutely incredible. Whenever he runs around the school field and playground after school, we make sure to wave and offer him words of encouragement.

“Phill is a fantastic role model for the whole community. What he is doing takes real courage and commitment, and we are incredibly proud of him. His determination to make a difference, not only for his family but for so many others affected by Alzheimer’s, is truly inspiring. 

To support Phill Hayward and donate money for the Alzheimer’s Society, head to his GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/Barefoot-10k-a-day-for-a-year

More information about the Alzheimer’s Society can be found here: www.alzheimers.org.uk