So rewind to January and a wonderful young woman, just starting on her journey at Southampton Solent University. This was my wife's cousin Jess, until she suffered a spinal injury. She spent many months in the Wessex Neurological Ward, working hard to rehabilitate and recover, with the help of a fantastic clinical team.

The Wessex Neurological Physiotherapists cared for Jess in the early stages of her injury, supporting her through the initial trauma that such a serious condition brought on. Their patience and encouragement helped to motivate Jess as she began the long road to recovery. They were there to comfort her in the lows and celebrate with her in the highs.

Jess is keen that this amazing team are able to help others who suffer similar injuries, and so I will be completing several 10 mile and half-marathon distance challenges. I will be starting with the Great South Run on 23rd October and then running at half marathon in the New Year 2018. The money raised will help the Wessex Neurological Physiotherapy Department to purchase much needed equipment that is used in the rehabilitation of their patients, just like Jess.

Jess is doing well, and has come such a long way since January, see her Facebook blog for more details Jess' Spinal Progress and Recovery, but this would not have been possible without the help of the team at Southampton General Hospital.