In May, I'll be taking on the challenge of running the Hackney Half Marathon in support of Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest (Mind CHWF). I am raising money in memory of my supervisor from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, Mr Paul Patterson, who sadly lost his battle with his mental health in April 2023.

Mr Patterson was a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon at QEH and acted as my supervisor from my first day in my foundation training in 2020 until I moved to London in April 2023, shortly before he died. He was an amazing colleague, a supportive mentor, and after three years had become a close friend. He used to bring a smile to everyone’s days through telling us his stories about his recent sailing holidays, by salsa dancing around the operating room, or cracking jokes. He loved to speak about his kids and what they were doing, or all the travelling he was going to do and was planning to take a year away from work to do this. He was such a caring man and would book in catch ups over coffee and take hours out of his personal time to check in, especially during times when I was struggling at work.

At the beginning of my foundation years I was adamant orthopaedics was at the bottom of my career choices, but after four months in my F1 job I quickly saw the error in my ways and changed to pursue a career in orthopaedics. Paul was a mentor throughout and helped me with advice on courses and building my CV. I was so happy to find out just after my move to London that I had got into core surgical training (orthopaedic themed) and the last conversation we had was to tell him I got a place. I wouldn’t be where I was in my career now if it wasn’t for all the time and effort he put in with me.

Unfortunately he had taken time off work when I moved to London which I now understand was for his mental health, so I didn’t properly get to say goodbye or thank you for everything he had done for me, and so I am using this half marathon as my thanks to him.

I’m very much a 3-5k sporadic runner so this is going to be a huge challenge.

Each year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem, and this figure is only set to rise. That's why I've decided to support Mind CHWF (an independent local charity that's part of the Mind Federation). They offer a range of support to members of the community who are looking to work on their mental health.

A small amount can go a long way, with just £25 paying for a low-income client with serious mental health issues to attend a Managing Anger and Difficult Emotions group.

Any and all donations are welcome, and a big thank you for your support!

Thank you for everything Mr P, I miss you x