Meet The Bearded Runner - Henry returning to Sowerby Bridge as part of half-marathon challenge

A man known as The Bearded Runner will return to Sowerby Bridge on Saturday as part of his challenge to run 52 half marathons in 52 weeks.
Henry Ainsley.Henry Ainsley.
Henry Ainsley.

Henry Ainsley is trying to raise funds for Andy’s Man Club and Mind, and help prevent male suicide.

Henry was born in Mixenden and attended Stanley Green Junior School, then Ovenden Secondary School.

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“I was the schoolboy running champion, and a keen footballer who played for Mixenden United,” he said.

Henry Ainsley. Photo: MLH ImagesHenry Ainsley. Photo: MLH Images
Henry Ainsley. Photo: MLH Images

“I was married for 22 years and have five lovely children, ranging from 23 to 7, and three beautiful grandchildren, a wonderful girlfriend and a lively, bitey springer spaniel Baz, named after my brother.

“My wife moved to Brighton seven years ago, I stayed in our house in Sowerby Bridge and came down at weekends.

“My marriage had broken down and I became suicidal, fell into a deep depression.

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“One day I drove to a road where the lorries speed past and went to drive in front of one. I heard my son’s voice say don’t do it.

“I went home alone, and put some trainers on and started running, and running, like I wasn’t going to stop.

“My personality started coming back. Running makes me feel alive.

“Barry, my bother, committed suicide when he was 45. We did not know he had mental health problems,

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“One of the family saw him the day before and he seemed OK. This was approximately six years ago now.

“Previously to this my uncle had committed suicide about eight years ago.

“This affected my family very much, and still does.
“Coming back home is a massive step for me as there are good and bad memories, mixed emotions.

“I was inspired to do the challenge due to my own battle with suicide.

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“I had to make a change and do something positive with my life, help other people.”

On Saturday, at 8am, Henry, who works as a carpenter, will be running with the Sowerby Snails from Sowerby Bridge to Brighouse.

Henry is growing his hair and beard to be auctioned off at the end of his challenge, on January 3 next year.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/TheBeardedRunnerUK/.

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