NHS Doctor runs 5K in a sumo suit every day in January for Mental Health Charity 

An NHS doctor has pledged to run 5K every day of January in a sumo suit to support and raise funds for Mental Health Awareness.

Dr. Howard Stringer, 27, has taken on this incredible challenge and is raising money for CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably – after seeing first-hand the implications on mental health during this pandemic.

After his long shifts, the Aintree University Hospital worker suits up in an inflatable ‘fancy dress’ sumo suit and runs, bringing smiles to those who happen to catch him running along the docks and around Merseyside. 

He does this all while still being an active doctor in Liverpool in the mist of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Howard set himself a goal of £500 in donations, which upon reaching he would strip off the sumo suit and do a run clad only in a small red speedo.

Dr.Stringer was inspired by Liverpool legend “Speedo Mick” after seeing his challenging walk from John O’Groats to Lands End for charity on TV last year.

His £500 goal was met on Friday, only halfway into his month-long campaign and reached out to Speedo Mick, who over video chat, offered words of encouragement and praise.

“It’s fantastic what you’re doing, it takes courage to put a pair of speedos on and run down the street, and it’s for a great cause”

The speedo run will be taking place Midday this Sunday, 17th of January on the Albert Docks.

Howard’s journey has been supported by the Peter Moore Foundation, Speedo Mick and many friends and family.

And his journey is far from over: for every £100 donation, he will be donning the speedo’s on his runs. His donation page can be found here.

His full conversation with “Speedo Mick” and journey so far can be found on his Instagram page: @stringerhj