Back when I turned 30 in November, I panic signed up for the Birmingham Half Marathon. I then compounded this panic by also signing up for the Bristol Half Marathon that runs the following weekend. 

As such, on May 7th and then May 14th I will be running the Birmingham AND Bristol Half Marathons. Having not run a half since University, my body has quickly let me know that it is not impressed with this challenge... 

Aside from attempting to reclaim my fitness, I am also running for something far more important and I would love your support for a great charity - Doctors in Distress.

I know many of you reading this will be medics (or their loved ones / friends) and as such will fully understand the unique stresses and emotional fatigue put on healthcare workers. These stresses are often compounded by the stoic nature of medics never wanting to seek help. The recent tragic suicides at my old hospital trust in Birmingham have highlighted the ultimate toll healthcare can take on its employees. The heartbreaking tale of Shruti in the BBC adaptation of "This is Going to Hurt" helped bring these issues to a wider audience. 

Doctors in Distress is a wonderful charity set up by Amandip Sidhu after the tragic death of his cardiologist brother, Dr Jagdip Sidhu, in 2018. Jagdip worked to the point of burnout and felt that he only had one way to escape his suffering. He didn't feel he was able to ask for help. 

Doctors in Distress run awareness and support campaigns to promote and protect the mental health of all healthcare workers. Founder Amandip was asked to speak alongside Adam Kay at the planting of "Shruti's Tree," the first memorial to healthcare workers that have lost their lives to Suicide in the UK. 

In addition, Doctors in Distress also facilitate support groups for staff to discuss and seek help for their mental health. Through these groups, staff can find a safe space to seek the help they need. 

Currently, two healthcare workers take their own life every week. This has to change. 

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While I have now stepped away from full-time medicine, healthcare staff truly remain my heroes. I would love your support in helping take care of those that take care of us.

Thanks :)