One of my main passions in my leisure time is live music. I go to loads of gigs and festivals. In fact, I have even been involved in the local music scene, including being a Director of the long standing Nice n Sleazy punk and ska festival.

I knew I had become unfit, but didn't realise how ill I had become until I went to see The Foo Fighters in Manchester June 2024. From what should have been a brilliant day and night for me, my condition was terrible. This, plus advice from my supportive friends, encouraged me to seek help. By Monday, I had booked in for blood tests. The results were not good. I made an appointment with the GP, and what should have been a 3 minute standard visit turned into a 25 minute one. The result of which meant I had two options. Choice one was to continue to exist as I was doing and face the consequences, or to alter my lifestyle. Having recently lost 3 close mates, I took the second option to get myself fitter and give myself a fighting chance of a reasonable quality of life.

At this time, I was working an excessive amount of hours, and being an HGV driver, the easy option when feeling tired and hungry was to reach for highly processed food. Driving by nature is sedentary anyway, so obviously, something had to be done.

I spoke with my Transport Manager about my situation, and we both agreed for me to work my allocated hours as far as practical to allow me the scope to improve my health.

With a strategy in place, I began eating healthier. I tried to avoid eating anything processed and I made sure I walked more. I started to notice the weight drop fairly quickly. By August, I made the decision to try the couch to 5k programme. The 1st time I put on my trainers, and went through the app, is still a vivid memory. The sense of achievement felt incredible. By the time I finished the course...appropriately on Morecambe park run, I felt elated.

After the programme, I looked at reasons to go out running, rather than not to. There's something quite satisfying about doing a run when the weather isn't pleasant. To take on the elements is a great release of endorphins.

During January, I did a challenge for St John's Hospice. This involved running 31 miles through the course of the month. I covered 90.

By March, I competed in my first 10k race. In April, I joined a running club (Lancaster Runners), with this, I am now England athletics registered.By June, I ran my first half marathon race. I also run with the Let's Run Morecambe group.

Through a conversation with Dan Tucker at work, he asked me if I would consider running for Carr's Billington and the excellent WellChild charity they support. Of course I said yes.

Now is the time when I need your support. Please help this fantastic charity by donating.

Many thanks in advance ☺️ 🙏

WellChild enables children with complex medical needs to thrive at home by funding specialist nurses, connecting families through peer support, providing hands-on training, and transforming outdoor spaces.

Your donation will help to give this growing population of children and young people the best possible chance to thrive: properly supported at home, together with their families.

• £150 could provide a day of a WellChild Family Coordinator’s time to support families through the WellChild Family Tree

• £50 could fund a Parent Ambassador to host a local support group for parent carers in their region

• £20 could connect a WellChild Family to our vital information and support service, the WellChild Family Tree