Back in 2019 I realised after years studying for exams and eating that I had gained a lot of weight.

I started my weight loss journey, I joined a gym to help loose the pounds and soon realised that I much preferred being outside than in and so my running journey began. Initially I could run a few meters before having to stop and during this time our dog Bailey would happily join alongside.

The days and weeks passed and has I lost the kilos the kilometres became longer. I soon could run around our local country park without stopping. I started running at the local park run and enjoyed the way running enabled me to have some time for myself with my own thoughts especially after a busy day operating.

I then thought perhaps I could run a 10km, soon I was able to do that easily and signed up for The Great North Run, where I raised money for Crohn’s and Colitis a cause close to me and my family. This was my biggest mileage so far a whole 1/2 marathon I thought at the time that was a long run!

As 2019 turned in to 2020 and I had lost the whole 5.5 stone I needed to to get to a healthy weight we all had to go into lockdown because of COVID, I was determined not to regain the weight.

So with my once daily outside exercise my miles increased and my love for running became an obsession much to the annoyance of my wife and dog who after a few weeks of joining me on a run realised I didn’t stop as much as I used to and started to refuse to come with me.

As the years have passed I’ve done many 1/2 marathons, marathons and back in 2022 I began doing ultra running inspired by a fellow surgeon at Burton.

But like everyone who loves running the London Marathon is a run everyone wants to do. It’s at the top of my bucket list and still being obsessed with running it’s about time I put my skills to use and raise some money for our hospital.

I’m so grateful to be given a place at next year’s London Marathon and I would love for you to sponsor me to help raise money for the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton to help our patients.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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