***Update***

So right about now I should be well into 5@50 unfortunately I sustained an injury that ended up with a trip to A&E and a short stay on a ward at St Richards.

I am happy to say that I have now put my trainers back on and back running again and building my fitness and endurance levels back up to where they need to be to complete the challenge.

With this in mind I have pushed back the 5 1/2 marathons until the the 27th-31st May so it has become infect 5@50 plus 1 month. Thanks for the support so far and I will keep updates coming on progress.

Hi there, my name's Chris and soon I will be celebrating my 50th birthday. I could go out and get totally drunk, not remember anything after a certain point in the night and suffer for 2 days afterwards with a blinding hangover! I can actually do that anytime and don’t need the excuse of a 50th birthday, so instead I have decided to use it as a platform to do something worth remembering, not be so selfish and raise awareness for two charities very close to my heart.

I will be running five half marathons over 5 days for Mind and Parkinsons UK and here is some more information on why I have chosen these very important charities.

MIND

We have all been through a lot one way or another over the last 12 months. The frontline staff have been through hell having to care for people through this awful pandemic and witness families losing loved ones, as well as the heartache of knowing that families were unable to say goodbye.

It's been heart-breaking for all families who haven't been able to get together, especially at those special times like Christmas, birthdays and the birth of a grandchild. People have missed the support of their family and friends when they need it most - that knowing smile or a hug to keep you strong.

It's tough being locked up and restricted and not having the social interaction that keeps you sane; parents trying to juggle home schooling, work and having quality time with their children. Also, children missing out on spending time with their friends playing and laughing.

Mind give advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, including the veteran community, which is something I am very passionate about.

They won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect and neither should we.

PARKINSON'S UK

This is something that's very close to our hearts. We have two family members that have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Having seen what this terrible disease has done to them and the huge impact on their lives and on the people around them, I just feel it is too close to home and a charity that truly deserves my support.

Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK. And it's the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Over the past 5 years, Parkinson's UK have made a real impact. But they won’t rest until they’ve found a cure and improved life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s, so more than ever it's important that we help this charity to continue the brilliant work they do for the Parkinson's community.

I really want to smash this and raise as much money as I can - if I don't and I ignite just one conversation about mental health or Parkinson's, that helps just one person, then it will all be worth it.

Thank you and I hope you can support me.

Cheers, Chris