From surviving a life-changing accident to building a running community: René Wong shares his story

The founder of Hills Pay the Bills Run Club opens up about recovery, grief, running, community and his mission to raise awareness of blood donation

The latest episode of What the Health?! on FUBAR Radio host Claira Hermet is joined by René Wong, founder of Hills Pay the Bills Run Club, for an open and personal conversation about recovery, running, grief, community and giving back.

René speaks candidly about a serious motorbike accident in 2014 which left him with an open fracture to his left tibia, a fractured wrist and broken collarbone. He also recalls the severity of his injuries and the blood transfusions he received during his recovery. Reflecting on the role donated blood played in his survival, René says: “I might have lost my leg. I might have lost my life.”

René later discovered that, because he had received a number of blood transfusions, he was unable to donate blood himself. Rather than allowing that to stop him from giving back, he began looking for another way to make an impact.As he explains on the show: “If I can’t give blood, I’ll do something another way.”

That commitment eventually became closely connected to running. René talks about how he went from initially struggling to see himself as a runner to discovering the physical and emotional benefits of movement. He describes running as a form of release and explains how it became particularly significant following the loss of his uncle. The experience ultimately helped inspire Hills Pay the Bills Run Club – a community built around running, challenging and supporting one another. René sums up his approach with the phrase “Impact over influence.” For him, Hills Pay the Bills is about creating real connections through running – bringing people together, supporting one another and making a difference in the moment.

René also tells us about his 31-day July running challenge, during which he ran 10k with 220 metres of elevation every day. He chose to dedicate the challenge to NHS Blood and Transplant, using running as a way to raise awareness of the importance of blood donation despite being unable to donate himself. Speaking about the challenge, Renee reflects on what happened when it came to an end: “I don’t know what to do with myself now.” He describes the experience as something that changed him and left him feeling that he had “more to give.”

Claira also speaks to Kirsty Thomson, Head of NHS Blood and Transplant Charity, who discusses why blood donation is more important than ever. 

Sign up to Donate Blood Here.