Those of you who are regular runners at Bushy parkrun may have noticed a couple of marshals just after the cricket club. John P. Woods and his partner Alison Richards have been rooted at Hampton Wick gate (1 mile) since August 2023.

I have known John for over ten years, and he has been a wonderful and positive friend who has happened on a difficult situation. Back in March 2023 he was approaching 750 parkruns but, unfortunately, he was involved in a train accident that required life saving treatment. Since then, he has been on a long road to recovery. This has been tough, as you can imagine. The injury to his leg persists and he now needs special intervention that is not readily available on the NHS. He has managed to source a hyperbaric oxygen treatment centre as a “last ditch” attempt to save his leg. The sessions involve 5 hourly sessions a week lying in a chamber breathing in oxygen at 2 atmospheres. This improves greater blood flow and enriches red blood cells to hopefully help heal his wounds. Throughout May and June he has diligently adhered to the process and improvements have occurred but another month would be extremely beneficial.

John is not sure if he will ever be able to run again but walking without pain and eventually getting round his beloved parkrun is the aim.

The target is to raise around £1500, which is 50% of the treatment costs.

If you can give a donation, please see the link below: