Combining passion with purpose: An interview with David Smith of Impact Futures Group

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An admirable endeavour in support of worthy causes

At tend, contributing to communities go beyond apprenticeships. As part of Impact Futures Group, our organisation chooses charities to support every year. These causes are always close to our hearts, nominated by our team members who have often interacted with them to positive effect.

So, when our Product & Innovation Lead, David Smith, decided to take on the challenge of running 150 miles in one week to raise money for not one, but two deserving charities, the team at tend were not only astonished at the sheer scale of such an endeavour, but more than willing to support him one-hundred percent.

We sat down with David to talk to him about his upcoming ‘Ultrathon’, and why running means so much to him.

Hi David! And congratulations on undertaking such an mammoth challenge for charity. Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.

I’m 46 years old and have been running for over 22 years, but my journey into endurance sport didn’t begin in a typical way. In 2004, after losing a life‑changing eight stone, I discovered running; and with it, a passion that has shaped my life ever since.

That’s incredible! When did you begin to combine your love of running with fundraising?

Over the past decade, that passion has combined with purpose. I’ve been actively fundraising for a range of charities for more than 10 years, using running as a way to give back, raise awareness, and push my own limits in support of others.

30 miles per day for 5 days straight is quite a feat. What has brought you to this moment?

I love a challenge, and endurance running has become a huge part of who I am. To date, I’ve completed over 100 marathons, and in 2025 alone, I ran 17 ultra marathons, including a 4th‑place finish in my first ever 50‑mile race. Each challenge has strengthened my resilience and reinforced the power of determination and community support.

Wow, and now you’re using your powers for good – like a real superhero!

After a year like 2025, I wanted my next challenge to be about more than the miles. That’s why I’m raising money for Hft and Early Lives; two charities that make a profound difference at critical points in people’s lives. Hft supports adults with learning disabilities to live with independence, dignity, and opportunity. tend proudly supports Hft in upskilling their staff through apprenticeship training. Early Lives works with babies, young children, and families to give every child the best possible start in life. They do wonderful work. Our organisation opted to support them through various activities during 2026.

That’s wonderful! How are you feeling about the challenge overall?

I’m really looking forward to this challenge and to working alongside the wonderful teams at both charities. This is my way of using something that changed my life (running) to help support and change the lives of others.

Finally, who is David Smith when he’s not running?

When I’m not running, I’m a creative person at heart. I also love chocolate, even during training! That’s why Easter is my favourite time of the year.

The when and the where

David will begin his 150-mile run on 08 June, 2026, completing 30 miles per day through to 12 June, 2026. His route will take him past 5 Hft locations:

• Monday 08 June: Ryeford Court, 12 Ebley Road, Stonehouse, GL10 2LQ
• Tuesday 09 June: Forest of Dean, Ormiston, Edenwall Road, Coleford, GL16 7HN
• Wednesday 10 June: Hft Worcestershire, Clementi Court, Evesham, WR11 3QZ
• Thursday 11 June: Redditch (Hft Worcestershire), 1 Foxylidiate Mews, Lock Close, Redditch
• Friday 12 June: Apsley House, 128 Richmond Road, Bristol, BS6 5ER

No doubt David will give their teams a wave as he goes by in a blur of motion! Everyone at tend is behind him. Best of luck, Super Dave!

Support ‘Super Dave’ on his quest! Make a donation today.