I am running the Valencia Half Marathon to raise funds for Spinal Research. It's a big challenge as I have never run a race before and I will need all the support and encouragement you can muster :)

Thank you - muchas gracias - vielen Dank!

What's the story?

I love road cycling and over the years have spent many happy hours riding with friends from Islington Cycling Club (ICC). Last year Gino, one of my fellow ICC riders had a freak accident resulting in a spinal cord injury and paralysis from the shoulders down. The news was devastating and I can't even imagine how to adjust to such a life-changing event.

In his honour, ICC has chosen to support Spinal Research as its 2025 club charity and I am joining the fundraising efforts with this challenge.

Spinal Research is the UK's leading medical charity focused on the repair and restoration of the spinal cord. It works to create a world where paralysis can be cured, with the aim of restoring hope, independence and quality of life to people living with a spinal cord injury.

And a bit more about spinal injury:

Every two hours, someone in the UK will become paralysed. Globally, it is estimated that 15.4 million people are living with paralysis. It can happen to anyone at any time, changing lives instantly. Cycling accounts for 8% of sports-related spinal injuries.

When the spinal cord is injured it affects far more than the ability to walk. Paralysis impacts movement, sensation, continence, breathing, and much more.

Some function-restoring treatments are already in trials but spinal research scientists need more funding for innovative research.

There is now real hope to cure paralysis!