Sporting spotlight: Dom Butkus
Sport and Exercise Therapy student Dom tells us about his upcoming Cambridge Half Marathon run for Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire MIND.
Name: Dom Butkus
Staff, student, or alumni: Student
Course: BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy
Faculty/Service: Faculty of Science and Engineering
In your own words, tell us about your sporting achievement or upcoming challenge.
I wasn’t always someone who enjoyed running. When I first started, I could barely run far or fast, and it felt more like a struggle than something I wanted to do. But over time, that changed – running became something I fell in love with. Now, it’s more than just a personal challenge – it’s a way to push myself for a greater purpose.
Whenever I run or compete, I don’t do it just for myself. I now run for others or for a cause that means something. Knowing that every step can make a difference gives me the drive to keep going, even when it gets tough. Running with a purpose pushes me beyond my limits and reminds me why I started in the first place.
Mental health is something incredibly close to my heart. I’ve been through my own struggles, hit rock bottom, and experienced the darkest moments. But I also know what it means to fight through it, to find strength, and to come out the other side – something that wouldn’t have been possible without the right support.
That’s why I’m raising money for Cambridge, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire MIND, an incredible organisation dedicated to providing vital mental health support to those in need. Their work changes lives, offering help, hope, and guidance to individuals who might otherwise feel alone in their battles.
What would you say to someone to inspire them to follow in your sporty footsteps?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that everyone starts somewhere. I wasn’t always the strongest, the fastest, or the most confident – but I showed up, stayed consistent, and pushed through the tough days.
If you want to grow, challenge yourself, and become stronger, then take that first step. Embrace the struggle, trust the process, and never doubt what you’re capable of. With the right mindset, discipline, and passion, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible. Keep going, because your future self will thank you.