2026 is a big year for me.

At the end of June, I retire 😳.

In December, I hit 60 😮.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects your brain and spinal cord. In MS, the coating that protects your nerves is damaged. This causes a range of symptoms like blurred vision and problems with how we move think and feel.

Many of you know that I have MS. It’s played a big part in my decision to retire.

Fortunately, I continue to have good mobility. I’m obviously hoping that never changes. I do have other classic MS symptoms, including bladder, bowel, fatigue, cognition and numbness issues, but my regular MRIs have been stable with limited new lesions in the last couple of years thankfully.

Earlier this year, I went to my first armed forces MS support weekend. It was amazing:

https://mutual-support.org.uk/

The Mutual Support organisation is supported by the MS Society:

https://www.mssociety.org.uk/support-and-community/local-support/ms-support-groups/mutual-support-armed-forces

So, in my ‘big year’, I'm running the 2026 Royal Parks Half Marathon in London, to support the work of the MS Society, with the money I raise being ring fenced for the armed forces MS Mutual Support organisation.

I’d be hugely grateful for your support as I take on the Royal Parks Half Marathon. It would make my big year an awesome one!