As many of you know, I have a condition called Atrial Fibrillation which is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. 

Having completed Ironmans and Marathons in the past and exercising as part of my daily routine, rewind 12 months and I literally couldn't run for 1 minute without my heart rate reaching extreme levels. This lead to months of inactivity and visits to very dark places. 

However, after an aborted attempt in June, at the end of July I attended Papworth hospital for a 'catheter ablation' procedure. Unfortunately it didn't completely rectify the condition (I'm waiting for another appointment after a further visit in November didn't see me getting as far as the operating theatre), it did make me feel a lot better and enabled me to re-start training, basically starting from scratch running 1 mile at a time.

Whilst all that was going on I was fortunate enough to gain a ballot place for the London Marathon (26.2 miles). As I also have a RideLondon (100m) place that I had to defer from 2018, I thought I may as well do the set and swim the Serpentine (2m) and complete the London Classics (& earn the massive medal!!)

Currently I'm in no shape for a marathon, but I will get round. I do hate asking people for money, but any change you can spare would be greatly appreciated. At the very least, the Royal Papworth hospital has stopped me from being a very miserable git for the last 6 months by helping me do what I love. 

Official Royal Papworth words below. Thank you.

Royal Papworth Hospital has always ensured that it puts patients and their families at the heart of everything it does. The Charity is committed to supporting patients and their carers and seeks to enhance the support it provides to the Hospital. Charitable funds have enabled the Hospital to provide care beyond that of NHS funding alone, enhancing the Hospital’s status as the UK’s leading provider of specialist cardiothoracic care and the country’s main heart and lung transplant centre.