Tony Collier (BEM)

How did you first get involved in MileShyClub?

Jane has been a friend for a while and when she established the Charity she thought that my financial expertise was a good fit and so I became the Independent Financial Trustee of the Charity.

What does being a trustee with the MileShyClub mean to you?

I’m happy to be involved and think I can contribute positively. I’ve nearly 50 years experience as an Accountant and owned my own practice before semi-retiring. As an experienced runner as well, I think I can offer independent support and guidance and I’m glad to be able to do so.

Why do you like being involved with the MileShyClub?

I like to be able to offer independent support with bags of experience and expertise.

What do you do outside of the MileShyClub?

I’m a founder member of Styal Running Club where I’m currently the only active Coach in Running Fitness, helping the club to develop and grow. Thankfully we don’t step on the shoes of MileShy Club because what we do is quite different. I still work part-time but love spending time with my family and particularly my grandsons.

How did you start running?

I started running at 45 after being told I was borderline clinically obese and my blood pressure so high that I’d be on drugs for life if I didn’t do something about it. So I started running, lost weight and ran my first marathon at 50. I said never again but  went on to run another 19 and an ultra!

What is your greatest achievement or proudest moment with the MileShyClub?

Completing all 6 of the World Marathon Majors in my mid 50’s as well as the Comrades ultra-marathon when I was 59.

As many MileShy members will know, I was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in May 2017 but that hasn’t stopped me running yet and I ran the London marathon in 2018 (massive personal worst but who cares) and then in 2021 completed Race To The Castle a 100km ultra-marathon.