In July 2023 I decided that I needed to lose quite a bit of weight. I turned to a good friend (Coach Ken) for some advice and support. That quickly turned into more than just a regular diet - a total lifestyle reboot. After losing 10.4kg (1st 9 lbs) in the first 7 weeks, it was time to turn up the heat and step foot inside a gym for the first time in my life on September 5th. With the help of Ken, my personal trainer Matty, and the support of friends and family, I have 12 months to prepare for one of the biggest challenges of my life.

I have created a website dedicated to tracking my preparation for the Great North Run, and beyond.

https://www.gnr2024.co.uk

In case you hadn't already guessed... I'm taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK. They're the UK's leading bowel cancer charity and are determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

Back in November 2017 my dad was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. He received amazing treatment at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary under the care of Tom Raymond within four weeks of diagnosis and has made a full recovery. Six years on he remains cancer free.

Bowel cancer is the UK's second biggest cancer killer with over 16,000 people dying annually of a disease that is preventable, treatable and curable. Im determined to help Bowel Cancer UK to change that. The money you donate will help to provide support and information to patients and their families, enable them to fund and support research into bowel cancer and to campaign for early diagnosis and best treatment and care for all.