At the start of the covid-19 outbreak, I spent over a week in hospital with ulcerative colitis. The treatment I received whilst in hospital, and in the weeks since as I continue my treatment back at home, has been outstanding. I therefore want to support the amazing work done by our NHS staff in hospitals and health care around Cardiff.

At this time, it is completely the right decision to not allow visitors into hospitals. However, speaking from experience, it is lonely being a patient in hospital but not being allowed visitors. Therefore any little that can help the experience of patients in hospitals to allow them to feel less lonely and a little loved at this time is incredibly beneficial.

That is why I am raising money for the Patient Experience Team at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board who are asking for donations to help our patients to receive toiletries, nightwear and little extras while visitors aren't allowed into our hospitals #spreadthelove

I have chosen to raise money for the cause by running the Cardiff Half marathon route in four weeks time, Saturday 4th July. For those who don't know me, I was an athlete until summer 2018, when I moved into coaching. However following my week in hospital, the medication I was on meant I had to shield in my flat for the six weeks after finishing in hospital. On Friday 29th May, the medication levels I was on meant I could once again leave the flat, ensuring I strictly followed social distancing. However in this time I have lost significant fitness and put on weight. I managed a 4.5 mile run last week which was very slow compared to the times I used to run when an athlete. It was also one of the hardest runs I have ever done.

The NHS staff have done an amazing job looking after me, and now it is my turn to start looking after myself by improving my fitness. Therefore I have set myself the challenge of getting fit enough in the next four weeks to be able to get around the iconic Cardiff half marathon route. I would be delighted if you would sponsor me for this run, so that we can raise money for this amazing cause of supplying patients in hospitals at this time with essentials. #spreadthelove