At 35 years old and 140kg, I’m about to run my first marathon — something that once felt completely impossible.

Not long ago I weighed 190kg (just under 30st or 420lbs) and was classed as morbidly obese. I’ve been overweight for as long as I can remember. Like so many people who struggle with their weight, I’ve tried every fad diet going. Some worked for a while, most didn’t, and none of them truly changed my life.

Running did.

What started as a small step — just trying to move a little more — slowly became something much bigger. Running gave me structure, discipline and, for the first time in my life, a way to take control of my health. It’s the reason I’ve been able to lose 50kg and begin rebuilding my life in a healthier way.

But my journey hasn’t just been about weight.

My partner and I were young parents, and there were times when life was incredibly tough. We’ve experienced real hardship — the kind where you rely on food banks and the generosity of family and friends just to get by. When you’ve lived through that, you never forget the kindness of people who helped you stand back up.

For the past seven years I’ve worked more than 300 hours a month while also trying to balance family life, caring responsibilities for my mum, and being present for my three children. Finding time to look after yourself when life looks like that isn’t easy — but running became the one thing that helped keep me grounded.

This marathon represents more than just 26.2 miles. It represents years of struggle, perseverance and the belief that it’s never too late to change your life.

I’m running to raise money for two incredible charities: Flawed Hero Movement and Prostate Cancer UK.

Prostate Cancer UK is doing vital work to fund research, support families and save lives from one of the most common cancers affecting men. Meanwhile, Flawed Hero Movement champions the idea that ordinary people — with flaws, struggles and imperfect lives — can still do extraordinary things and inspire others.

That message resonates deeply with me. I’m not an elite athlete. I’m just a big bloke who decided that enough was enough and started putting one foot in front of the other.

If my journey — from 190kg to the start line of my first marathon — can inspire even one person to believe that change is possible, or raise a bit of money to support these causes, then every painful mile will have been worth it.

Thank you to everyone who supports the journey. It means more than you know