MITCHELDEAN’S own ‘running man’ Martin Heath reverted to type when an express train carriage bearing his name was officially unveiled in honour of his efforts to lift spirits and raise more than £2,000 for charity during lockdown.

“Community hero” Martin has had a Great Western Railway (GWR) carriage named after him in celebration of his daily laps of the village in fancy dress when the pandemic struck in 2020.

The honour came after his daughter Natalie nominated him for BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s ‘Make a Difference Superstars’ awards, which celebrated people who went above and beyond to support others in their local communities.

Martin was chosen as one of two Gloucestershire winners along with Stroud’s Emma Hurrell, who set up a ‘pay-as-you-can’ meals service for those who were struggling financially.

And in true ‘running man’ fashion, Martin donned the attire of GWR’s pioneering engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel at his carriage’s official unveiling last Friday (March 5).

During the first lockdown, Martin ran in a different costume every day, except for Easter, when his popular chicken suit was given a second run out.

He clocked up a total of 440 miles around Mitcheldean over 101 days whilst dressed in a range of outfits including Harry Potter, Snow White and a life-size hotdog.

Martin and his daughter Natalie as Cruella De Ville and a dalmation
Martin and his daughter Natalie as Cruella De Ville and a dalmation (Mitcheldean’s Running Man)

His actions were praised by parents for giving children something to look forward to and older people said he had eased their feelings of isolation.

More than 300 villagers turned out to see Martin complete his final run, for which he was given a police escort.

His efforts helped to raise £1,390 for Great Oaks Dean Forest Hospice and £840 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper said: “I’m really pleased that Martin Heath – the Forest of Dean’s Mitcheldean Running Man – is getting a well-deserved, lasting piece of recognition for his superb fundraising efforts for worthy causes including the brilliant Great Oaks Hospice.

“During challenging times, Martin put a smile on the face of many in the Forest of Dean, so I thank GWR and BBC Radio Gloucestershire for paying tribute to him in this way.”