Ben Wood

I'm running the Battersea Park Half Marathon on 18th October, to support my cousin John Clark on his recovery journey ⚡️❤️ John suffered a life changing brain injury after falling from height, in December 2023. Since waking up from an induced coma in ICU almost three weeks later, he has defied prognosis after prognosis. After spending a year re-learning to eat, talk and walk again, John finally returned home for Christmas 2024, after spending time at 4 different hospitals as part of his recovery.  Since arriving back home, John has made brilliant physical improvements. From not being able to walk unassisted less than 12 months ago, he is now running the Battersea Park Marathon himself on the 18th October 2025. Moving back home was obviously a huge milestone, but with this also came an end to the majority of John's vital therapy sessions and support. Whilst he has made huge strides in his recovery, John still needs lots of support: John is currently unable to work, or live independently Aphasia means he has trouble understanding, speaking, reading & writing Nerve damage to his right side has significantly reduced mobility in John's right hand & arm I'm fundraising to support John and his ongoing recovery, ultimately to help support him achieve his long term goal to live independently again. ⚡️❤️ Every little helps, whether it be for a physio session, speech and language therapy, or occupational therapy.  I've never been a runner, so this is going to be quite the challenge! Any support is hugely appreciated. Thank you xx

A year ago, John could only walk with assistance. On 18th October, he is running the Battersea Park Marathon! ⚡️❤️ John suffered a life changing brain injury after falling from height, in December 2023. Since waking up from an induced coma in ICU almost three weeks later, he has defied prognosis after prognosis. John spent a year in hospital, learning to eat, talk and walk again, where his drive and determination led him to finally returning home for Christmas 2024. Since returning home, John has taken up running, setting himself the task of running a marathon this year. He's just completed a 10K race as part of his preparation—a truly amazing feat when you consider he couldn't walk, only a year ago. And now, over 18 months into his rehab journey, John is taking on his latest challenge, running Battersea Park Marathon, on Saturday 18th October 2025. He will be running to raise money for two charities very close to his heart, who have been integral to his recovery: University Hospitals Birmingham Charity – Queen Elizabeth Hospital ICU, where John was in intensive care, and; The NHNN (National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery) Development Foundation, where John spent 3 months during his rehabilitation. All donations will be split 50/50 between the two charities. As always, huge thank you for all your support. Keep up to date on John's progress here: https://www.teamjohn.co.uk/ Team John ⚡️❤️ xxxx