Life has a way of throwing challenges our way, and for me, the last year has been an interesting one on a number of fronts!

But the most important: health.

Having lost beloved grandparents to heart attacks at young ages (50 and 69) and others suffer cardiac arrests and witnessing my father undergo valve replacement surgery at 64, I was faced with my own health scare at the age of 36. Diagnosed with hereditary conditions: significant aortic valve disease (bicuspid valve) and a heart murmur, I now find myself in a situation that requires open heart surgery in all likelihood before I turn 40.

As a long retired (front row - for those of you who know that’s the opposite of runner!) rugby player and enthusiastic amateur runner who has completed six marathons, I am determined to channel my efforts to stay healthy, lose weight and raise money prior to my surgery.

So after a crap 2025 - it’s time to make 2026 epic and to try to help a good cause along the way!

In 2026, I will be running (and plodding, trotting and probably crawling) the marathon distance (42.2km) over varying runs over the course of every week for 52 weeks to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, an organization that plays a crucial role in advancing research and support for those affected by heart conditions.

You can follow my weekly miles on Strava and LinkedIn as well as support me in person on the “marquee weeks” - such as the Meadows Marathon in March, Edinburgh Marathon in May and Loch Ness Marathon in October (getting my miles in in one go those weeks!)

I invite you to join me on this journey - join me for a run of any distance (just drop me a message!), donate and support on social media. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of many who are battling heart disease. Together, we can contribute to the incredible work of the British Heart Foundation and help save lives. My target is to raise £1,000 by the end of this campaign. Every donation counts and brings us one step closer to making a positive impact.