Motiva boss sheds two stone for Stoke half-marathon battle

The boss of Motiva Group has turned over a new leaf to lead the company’s marathon effort from the front.

Peter Davenport, Managing Director at the Staffordshire-based fleet specialists, has shed more than two stone in weight and swerved alcohol for several weeks to prepare for Sunday’s ‘Potters Arf’ half marathon.

He will lead a team of 12 colleagues from the company in the challenge, setting off first as part of a four-man relay team which will complete the tough Stoke-on-Trent course.

Mr Davenport said he is looking forward to the challenge, which will see him cover 3.3miles including a testing climb out of Hanley towards Longton.

“I’ve never taken part in any running event before and people who know me will understand why,” he said.

“But I’ve thrown myself into this and my preparation has gone well.

“It’s been a lot of hard work already, but I’ve lost a lot of weight and I have to say I’m feeling in great shape.”

Peter Wright, Sales and Marketing Director, is also among the Motiva relay runners alongside Kirstie Jones, System and Processes Manager, Kelly Davies, Customer Services Team Leader, Alison Marsh, Finance, Antoni Giglia, M-Way Finance Manager, Paul Wainwright, Rental Manager, and Lee Wright, Rental Assistant.

Claire Salmon, Business Support Manager, Peter Clarke, Customer Service Manager, Lorraine Dawson and Sharon Buckley will each tackle the entire 13.1mile course.

All 12 Motiva colleagues are raising money for Help for Heroes, the charity which supports soldiers, sailors and airmen wounded in the line of duty.

Mr Davenport added he is determined to pull out all the stops to help his team reach the finish line.

“It’s bound to be tough for people who are not used to running, but we’re all ready for the challenge,” he said.

“Hopefully people will recognise the effort that both me and the rest of our team have put in and will support us with donations.

“Help for Heroes is a great cause and their work is something we all take for granted, so we’re proud to be doing our bit.”

Anyone wishing to support the Motiva team is urged to visit the company’s charity page.