After having collapsed in the final 3 miles of last year’s marathon, I was told by friends, well-wishers and medical practitioners that I should take it easy this year…

… Taking it easy is for losers though, so I have decided to come back and run this year’s marathon in under three hours alongside the elite entrants!

I’m running for Headway Surrey, a small charity based just outside of Guildford who help support those with head injuries in the local region. I won’t spend ages telling you loads of generic stuff about the charity because you can read on their website (http://www.headwaysurrey.org/). I did however visit the Guilford centre in February in order to meet some of the people they’re helping to better understand how Headway is making a difference.

I was most surprised to understand that the majority of head injuries are a result of car crashes – many of the people I met were living very normal lives until a serious incident caused them to lose the cognitive ability to do everyday tasks many of us take for granted.

I asked some of the people I met what impact their injuries have had on their life - some are now confided to wheel chairs, many have had to give up their careers and almost all said that their family dynamics have changed significantly. Headway helps with all of these issues and works with their wider families to support them through what must be an incredibly difficult time.

What I found most moving was the attitude everyone I met had adopted. These are clearly life altering conditions, yet everyone was determined to participate, socialise and either learn new skills, or re-learn those lost as a result of their injuries. They were welcoming, friendly and very keen to tell me their individual stories/how Headway had helped them.

Head injuries clearly turn people’s lives upside down, but Headway Surrey (along with the rest of the Headway network across the country) makes a real difference towards improving the quality of life their members are able to enjoy.

Thank you for supporting me and this very worthwhile cause – the money I raise will allow the team to run the Friday morning drop in sessions the team run for members of the local community.

I’d happily explain more about the work the charity do should you be interested.

Best,

James