Denis Flanagan, Commercial and Logistics Director at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel, has successfully completed his first marathon, crossing the finish line in Manchester on 27 April 2025.
What began as a personal challenge to support his mental wellbeing became a source of inspiration for colleagues, reflecting the values Denis brings to his role at the Clydebank Hotel.
Denis took up running at the start of the year to support his mental wellbeing, seeking a healthy outlet to manage stress. What started as a simple routine soon became an essential part of his daily life—helping him clear his mind, regain focus, and navigate challenges both on and off the job.
Denis explained: “Running gave me the space to reset. Especially on hectic days, it allowed me to step back and return with a clearer perspective.”
Approaching his training with the same focus and determination as his day-to-day work, Denis meticulously prepared for each run—laying out gear the night before, sticking to a training plan, and holding himself accountable. These habits mirrored the organisational and leadership skills that define his work at the bustling hotel.
On race day, Denis joined thousands of runners in Manchester, setting off just after 11am in warm conditions. Despite the heat, the atmosphere was uplifting, with crowds offering encouragement and humour along the way. As he hit the mentally toughest stretch—the final 10 kilometres—he drew on years of experience managing complex operations and leading teams through challenges.
Denis added: “When things didn’t go to plan, I reminded myself of what we do at work—stay calm, adapt, and keep going.
“I’d trained well and prepared thoroughly, but sometimes you have to let go of the plan and focus on finishing strong.”
Denis is already bringing this mindset back to the Hotel, encouraging his team to approach obstacles with calm, resilience, and adaptability. His experience has also deepened his empathy for others, reinforcing his commitment to supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace.
Looking ahead, Denis has already signed up for two more marathons in Edinburgh and Chester next year. He hopes his journey will inspire others to take that first step, no matter their pace or experience.
“My biggest regret was waiting too long to start,” Denis reflected. “It’s not about how fast you run —It’s that you run, it’s about showing up, consistently.”
Denis is just one of more than 2,500 staff at NHS Golden Jubilee, where health and wellbeing are a clear priority. The organisation offers a wide range of support services, including access to counselling, exercise programmes, weight management guidance, financial planning resources, and more—ensuring that staff can care for themselves while caring for others.
