Conversation Led To Lindo’s & BDA Link-Up
[Written by Stephen Wright]
The longstanding relationship between the Lindo’s Group of Companies and the Bermuda Diabetes Association may have never existed had it not been for a chance conversation in the Lindo’s Market in Devonshire in 2005.
Giorgio Zanol, Lindo’s president, was talking to a customer about their shared interest in running when she told him she had intended to run the London Marathon to raise money for diabetes, as her daughter suffered from the condition. However, an injury had unfortunately scuppered those plans.
“She said her daughter had Type One diabetes and wanted to raise money for charity,” Mr Zanol told Bernews.
“I didn’t even know there were two types of diabetes, so I told her, ‘You know what, as you’re injured, I’m going to run the London Marathon for you and raise money for your charity – the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in London.
“I was 65. I also ran the London Marathon the following year and was the highest fundraiser for the Foundation on both occasions.
“That’s when I thought, ‘Why not run for the local diabetes association’, and that’s how the Lindo’s to Lindo’s Road Race started raising money for the Bermuda Diabetes Association.”
Mr Zanol discovered running in his thirties after his son, Marco, asked him to help him train for the Saltus Grammar School sports day.
“My son asked me to run with him, and I was like, ‘You must be joking!’ the 82-year-old said.
“I knew nothing about running and went out like a bullet. After a mile into the run, my son passed me, and I was like, ‘Oh no, I’m getting beaten by a nine-year-old boy!
“I decided to try and get in shape, and started running some more and enjoyed it.”
He went on to run 56 marathons, including the New York Marathon and Boston Marathon, and, aged 70, tackled the Everest Marathon, the highest marathon in the world.
“I still do some walking with my wife, maybe a bit of jogging, but not really running,” added Mr Zanol, who was born in Cavalese, Italy, near the Austrian border.
“I can’t stay still, though. I love being outside in the open air and don’t like staying at home and watching TV.
“I try to eat good food. I eat well. I keep moving when I’m at the store, up and down the stairs. I don’t take the elevator. I tell everybody, never give up. Keep on moving!”
Mr Zanol, who was appointed as an MBE in recognition of his fundraising efforts, said he will not participate in the 4-mile walk this year as he will be helping hand out goody bags at the finish line on Sunday [March 5].
“I’ve had other charities ask me if I would help raise money for them,” he said. “They were all worthy charities, but I would feel like I’m cheating! The Bermuda Diabetes Association does so much good work.”
The Lindo’s to Lindo’s 10K Run and 4-Mile Walk takes place on Sunday, starting at Lindo’s Family Foods in Warwick and finishing at Lindo’s Market in Devonshire. Funds raised will go towards expanding the BDA’s education initiatives.
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