Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page!

The last few years, for me have been tough to say the least but over the last 12 months, I’ve lost over 5 stone thanks to a healthier diet, regular exercise, and the amazing support of Slimming World, my Consultant, Mary Cook and the new friends I’ve met along the way - I can’t tell you how much of an inspiration you are, and continue to be!

Also thanks goes to my wonderful (now) Husband, Darren, Ozzy (our dog), and my closest friends (you know who you are!), for staying by my side when things weren’t so good - without you, I’d not be here now writing this!

More recently, after clocking up hundreds of miles walking with Ozzy while untangling the spaghetti mess of my thoughts, I somehow decided it was a great idea to tackle the 9-week Couch to 5K programme—solo this time (Ozzy sat this one out!). I wrapped it up on September 25th. Where the motivation came from, I’ve no idea, but somewhere between gasping for air and questioning what the hell I was doing, I actually started loving it. I know—shocking! Before this, the only thing I could run was a bath 😃

To keep the motivation going, I’ve signed up for the Mental Elf 5K on Sunday 7th December 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Coventry, to raise money for Coventry, Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind, a brilliant local charity that supports mental health.

Who knows what the next positive challenge for me will be but watch this space…I’m on a roll, providing my old joints keep going!

Mind is there for anyone facing a mental health challenge. They offer vital advice and support, campaign for better services, and work hard to make sure no one has to go through it alone.

A 5K might not seem like a huge distance, but for me, it represents how far I’ve come — and the determination it’s taken to get here over the last 12 months.

I was initially aiming to raise £500 for this incredible cause but this has been smashed thanks to everyone’s kind and generous donations so far and, also the help of my amazingly persuasive friend, Julia Kitteringham (also known as my Director of Fundraising!), so I have raised my target to £1500.

Every donation, big or small, will go towards helping those who are struggling with their mental health.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast, and completely secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving—they will never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, your money goes directly to Mind, making it the most efficient way to contribute—saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you!

Dave