In 2005 I went back to university as a mature student to study medicine. I already had a physics degree but wanted to do something to help others. After some encouragement from a fellow medic I joined the university running club (Cambridge University Hare & Hounds) and over the first year managed to increase my mileage from 3 miles, to 7, to a (very slow) half marathon at the end of the year. Running continued to improve. (As did my skills as a student doctor). By 2007 I was able to run a marathon (again, slowly!) and had a club place to run in the London Marathon that year. It took just under 5 hours. I've done a few more since, and now I know I can do them, what better way of passing a Sunday morning in April than touring the cheering crowds on the streets of London whilst raising money for a good cause?

I am currently part way through a 3-year training scheme to become a GP, working in the Stockport training area. I have completed hospital posts in Macclesfield Hospital and Stepping Hill Hospital and am currently working at the Marple Medical Practice. I also help as a pilgrimage doctor on the Diocese of Shrewsbury's annual pilgrimage to Lourdes in France.

As a doctor I am charged to look after all my patients, from the very youngest to the very oldest, to heal and not to harm. Good palliative care for people who are terminally ill is vitally important and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd is a provider of such care for those living around Chester. When people come towards the end of life they should be reassured that there are people that will look after them so they can live with dignity and enjoy life until the end.

Hospices rely on fundraising to continue to this work. They also rely on people like me who will run a long way so people like you will give a donation. So dig deep! Or buy me a beer afterwards. Or both.

Only three weeks to go. Arghhh!