I’ll be running my 38th marathon in Birmingham, West Midlands. This week, I’m running for our NHS staff—the doctors, nurses, porters, cleaners, and countless others who keep our health service alive. I’m supporting NHS Charities Together, which provides vital wellbeing and practical support to NHS workers.

What is the struggle?

Working in the NHS is demanding beyond measure. Staff shortages, long shifts, emotional strain, and the trauma of crises like COVID-19 have left many struggling with burnout, PTSD, and financial strain. NHS workers give us their best every day, often at great personal cost.

Why am I running for this cause?

Because the NHS is more than a health service—it’s the people. Every patient’s story is tied to the dedication of staff who show up day after day, even when they are running on empty. I’m running to honour their sacrifices and to help ensure they get the care they deserve in return.

What is NHS Charities Together and what do they do?

NHS Charities Together is the national independent charity for the NHS. They fund projects that support staff wellbeing, mental health services, patient care initiatives, and community health programmes. From counselling and peer support for staff to hospital rest spaces, they make sure that the people who look after us are looked after too.

Your donation directly helps NHS staff:

• £10 provides wellbeing resources for frontline staff.

• £25 supports mental health counselling sessions.

• £50 funds peer support networks in hospitals.

• £100 contributes to new staff rest and recovery spaces.

Please donate to NHS Charities Together, and help us give back to those who never stop giving to us. For more info: www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk