Naz Deen (centre) at Coram’s Fields Young Women’s Sports Day in February

Published: 27 March 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

A BROKEN toe, a strained back and a pulled hamstring are just some of the injuries that Naz Deen has suffered while training for what he’s described as “the hardest sporting challenge” of his life.

The 32-year-old insists, however, that all the pain, plasters and pulled muscles will be worth it when he completes the London Marathon to help raise money for Coram’s Fields.

Naz will be celebrating his seventh anniversary working as a sports development officer at the seven-acre children’s playground and park in Russell Square by tackling the gruelling 26.2mile course around the capital. With just over two weeks to go until the big day, which is on Sunday April 13, he is just £59 shy of his £2,000 target.

“I’m trying to raise money for our sports development programme to ensure Coram’s Fields keeps providing a diverse range of fun, safe and stimulating sessions free of charge to children and young people of all abilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds,” Naz said. “Coram’s Fields is an organisation close to my heart,” he added.

“It’s the greatest job I’ve ever had. I get to see first-hand the remarkable difference sport and exercise makes to children and young people’s lives.”

Naz, who has worked his way up to head of youth and sports at Coram’s Fields, has been training hard for more than six-months for the marathon. He started off running two miles twice a week, progressing to four 10-mile runs a week.

He’s now covering a full 16-miles twice a week or, at least, he was until his latest injury.

“It certainly hasn’t been easy. Not only have I had to put in the hours training but I had to completely change my diet.

“In the last six months I’ve torn my hamstring, strained my back, suffered from sore knees and now even broken my little toe – so I’ve been doing loads of cycling instead of running.

“But the support from all the children and their parents has been brilliant and that’s getting me through it. Watching young people and children enjoying and taking part in sport for free is all the motivation I need.”

Anyone interesting in supporting Naz can make a pledge by visiting
https://mydonate.bt.com/ events/ndeen2014marathon

• Pictured: Naz Deen at Coram’s Fields Young Women’s Sports Day in February, which saw almost 200 girls from secondary schools across Camden enjoy taster sessions in football, basketball, tag rugby, hockey and reggae aerobics.