Former Leeds United star Dominic Matteo backs new running club aimed at improving mental health

Former Leeds United captain Dominic Matteo and professional boxer Jack Bateson are backing two recovering alcoholics set to  launch a new running club aimed at improving the mental health of people struggling with addictions.
Dominic Matteo pictured this week outside his home near Halifax

Photo: Simon HulmeDominic Matteo pictured this week outside his home near Halifax

Photo: Simon Hulme
Dominic Matteo pictured this week outside his home near Halifax Photo: Simon Hulme

Dom, 46, who is recovering from cancer, said Dean Smith and Jamie Heselden of Leeds - whose lives changed after they took up running - are an "inspiration" as they prepare to launch the Recovery Runners Running Club.

The ex-Whites defender was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2019 and underwent life-saving surgery and radiotherapy at Leeds General Infirmary.

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A brain scan in April 2020 came back clear, but his fight continues and he needs medication and regular scans whilst also re-learning to read and write.

unning helped transform the lives of recovering alcoholics Dean Smith (right) and Jamie Hesleden (left) from Leeds. The two friends want to form the Recovery Runners Running Club.

Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpeunning helped transform the lives of recovering alcoholics Dean Smith (right) and Jamie Hesleden (left) from Leeds. The two friends want to form the Recovery Runners Running Club.

Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe
unning helped transform the lives of recovering alcoholics Dean Smith (right) and Jamie Hesleden (left) from Leeds. The two friends want to form the Recovery Runners Running Club. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe

YEP columnist Dom, who has agreed to become an ambassador for Recovery Runners, said: "What they are doing is an inspiration to everyone. They deserve a lot of credit for doing something like this.

"They are trying to help people who have had problems with drink or drugs, whatever it might be. This is a solution to get away from what people are doing wrong and try and do things right.

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"The more people who want to change their lives and really stick to it, you have got to give them all the credit in the world.

Jack Bateson pictured in May 2018.

Photo: Steve RidingJack Bateson pictured in May 2018.

Photo: Steve Riding
Jack Bateson pictured in May 2018. Photo: Steve Riding

"It is about maintaining and keeping going with recovery. For me it is so important that you get out and get the fresh air and go for a walk or a run. I exercise every single day."

He added: "The first and foremost thing you have to do with any form of recovery is help yourself and make sure you are doing everything you can to make your situation - whatever it might be - better."

Super bantamweight boxer Jack Bateson, 26, who has won all 12 of his professional fights, is also backing the Recovery Runners Club.

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Jack, of Cookridge, said: "I think it's a great idea and I think it will help save a lot of people.

Dominic Matteo picturd playing for Leeds v Chelsea on Saturday December 6 2003.

Photo: Steve RidingDominic Matteo picturd playing for Leeds v Chelsea on Saturday December 6 2003.

Photo: Steve Riding
Dominic Matteo picturd playing for Leeds v Chelsea on Saturday December 6 2003. Photo: Steve Riding

"I want to help get the word out there. Some people might be thinking 'it's not for me' and turn it down. If other people are doing it, hopefully it will inspire them."

Dean Smith, 50, from Farnley, runs couch to 5k running sessions for people using the Growing Rooms rehabilitation service run by Leeds homeless charity St George’s Crypt.

And 43-year-old Jamie Heselden, from Oulton, volunteers at Spacious Places in Leeds, where he runs couch to 5k sessions for people with drug and alcohol problems.

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Now the two friends want to launch the Recovery Runners Running Club.

A Facebook page for the new club has more than 200 members and an Instagram page has 470 followers

Dean - a former drug addict and recovering alcoholic - took up running three years ago and is now chairman of South Leeds Lakers Running Club.

" We are looking into getting charity status and getting our business plans and other governance in place," he said.

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"Dominic Matteo and Jack Bateson have both agreed to be ambassadors for the club. This is a massive leap forward for us.

"Having celebrity backing is quite unbelievable. There are addiction and mental health issues within all sports and at all levels and hopefully having these guys on board will open doors for people who have kept quiet about their issues for so long.

"We are very excited for the future and hope to physically get out there and be seen and hope to reach more people through running."

The YEP #speakyourmind campaign was launched in 2016 to raise awareness of mental health issues and combat the stigma that sometimes exists.

Search for Recovery Runners on Facebook, or email [email protected] or [email protected] for more details.