Royal Parks Half Marathon for Demelza

Why am I doing this

I’m running this race for Demelza (https://www.demelza.org.uk/), a charity that supported an incredible young boy close to me. Seeing the care and compassion they provide left a lasting impact, and I’ve always wanted to give something back as a thank you. Now, I finally feel like I’m in a position to do that.

In 2018, my life changed suddenly. I began experiencing unexplained symptoms—sudden weakness, chronic pain, fatigue, numbness, and loss of balance. Simple movements became difficult, and at times my body would completely seize up. Bending forward, I couldn’t even reach my thighs. Alongside this, I was also dealing with osteoarthritis in my neck and back, which only accelerated the deterioration.

For years, I searched for answers. I went through countless tests across five different hospitals, often leaving feeling defeated when results came back “normal.” It made me question everything—was it all in my head? The uncertainty was as tough as the condition itself. Then in 2023, six years after it all began, I finally received a diagnosis at St George’s Hospital in Tooting: Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). At last, there was an explanation for everything I had been experiencing.

The journey didn’t get easier from there. It involved neuropsychology, pain management clinics, neurophysiotherapy, CBT, as well as trial and error with many different  medications until I found what helped. At the same time, I was working in retail, pushing myself far beyond my limits just to provide for my family—often operating in the “red zone” every day.

I realised that to move forward, I had to accept the cards I’d been dealt and take control. I made a major career change into technology product management, giving me stability, a role I enjoy, and the space to begin rebuilding my health.

Over the past nine months, I’ve committed to self-rehabilitation—starting from the very basics. I’ve had to relearn how to balance, walk properly, and even carry a bag of shopping without losing grip. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve kept pushing forward.

Being a parent is my biggest motivation. I never wanted to be the dad who couldn’t keep up or take part. The word “can’t” has never sat well with me—it still doesn’t.

This race represents more than just running. It’s the result of over 7 years of dedication, resilience, and determination. It’s about retraining my brain—right down to moving my toes properly—and pushing through the pain that still comes with every step.

I’m taking control, challenging myself, and proving that even in the face of something as complex as FND, progress is possible.