I am an Orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip and knee replacements.

I see the life changing effects of joint disease every day in my patients. Although I like to think that I can improve their quality of life with joint replacement surgery, I would love to see a world where people never reach a stage where this is required. Running in support of Joint Action will help us all reach that goal.

Running is not something that comes naturally to me, so having a target to train for and a cause thats close to my heart to support helps massively with my motivation. It’s easier to get out of bed early for a run, or tie on the trainers after a long day at work if you feel that a worthy cause will benefit from it.

 A common misconception is that running is bad for your joints and can bring on arthritis. The opposite is true, running can be hugely beneficial for people who have wear and tear arthritis, strengthening muscles and supporting structures around failing joints, helping with weight loss and general cardiovascular fitness. This is advice that I often give to patients so its about time I applied it to myself!

Running can be quite a solitary pursuit, and although occasionally that can be helpful in itself (sometimes even meditative) I find that including my wife, children and Roxy my Goldendoodle on my runs can keep me going and give me a lift on slower days. 

Please donate and help support Joint Action, and feel free to follow me on Strava to see my progress in the months ahead. 

Thanks!

Alex