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It is 20 years this month since I had a hip replacement at Oswestry Orthopaedic hospital at the age of 28, and in a couple of weeks I will be running 5K to mark this anniversary and honour my brilliant surgeon who sadly died very suddenly and unexpectedly in 2018.

I was born with both hips dislocated and, after several operations before the age of 5, I found myself living with increasingly severe chronic pain from the age of about 9. By my mid-twenties I was often needing to walk with crutches or use a wheelchair. I moved to Shropshire in 1996, and had the good fortune to find myself living not far from one of the best orthopaedic hospitals in the country. I had a triple pelvic osteotomy at RJAH hospital in 1998, followed by a hip replacement in 2000. I still remember the staff who cared for me with much gratitude and affection.

It took a few years to get the full benefit of my hip replacement from Professor Richardson, but in time it gave me a quality of life I hadn't thought was possible - and without which I would never have had my two lovely daughters, pictured above. 'Prof', as he was fondly known at the hospital, was always warm, kind and encouraging, and I will forever be grateful that I was one of his patients.

I started training with Couch to 5K a few weeks ago, unsure if it was possible or even wise to attempt it. I have hesitated to ask for sponsorship, because I wasn't sure I could reach the end - but now I’m only two weeks away from achieving my goal and loving the experience of running through my local park in the early morning. It isn't easy, and my right hip is giving me some problems, but I'm glad to report that Prof's hip is still going strong. I was greatly saddened to find out only a week ago about his sudden death, and this sealed my determination to run 5K for the hospital in his memory, and give something back to the place that changed my life so much for the better.

The money raised here will go towards a memorial garden at the hospital in honour of Professor Richardson. From my own experience as a patient, and my years supporting patient and staff wellbeing in hospices, I know how important it is to have access to healing, green, outdoor spaces. I'm delighted to be able to contribute to this lovely project that will be of ongoing benefit to both patients and staff at the hospital.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and to all those who have been part of my journey over the years. 

Your support and donations are gratefully received. 

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