My story

Younger years

During my teenage years I developed the unhealthy habit of eating too much junk food and spending too long in front of the computer, so much so that by the time I was 17 years old I was weighing in at 110kg (17 stone). I felt uncomfortable in my body and running was one of the last things I wanted to do.

At the age of 18 I went off to university determined to finally get fit and healthy. And although my good intentions started relatively well with me both joining the gym and eating healthier, just six months later on the ski trip I had a life-changing accident.

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On my back

Whilst on the ski trip in March 2006, I tried showing off in the jump park but slipped on take-off and ended up free falling for an eternity through the air, landing heavily on my back and fracturing two vertebrae in the process.

One of the first things I remember was the doctor telling me that I was lucky to have not been paralysed, along with the less than reassuring news that, with some luck, I should be able to walk again one day. I spent two weeks under observation in Grenoble hospital and in this time a plaster cast was built for me. This cast not only made me look like Robocop, but I had to be wear it 24 hours a day for several months so that my vertebrae would have a chance to heal.

Recovery

The beginning of my recovery journey was a really tough time. Not only was I in constant discomfort and unable to sleep through the night, but I was having trouble convincing myself whether I’d ever fully recover.

But then everything changed. In the early stages of my recovery, I was watching the London Marathon with my mum on television. Whilst sat there in my cast and a considerable amount of pain, I jokingly made a bet with my mum that I would be running that marathon the following year. Having always hated running and not even being able to walk more than 5 meters at the time, this bet was more than a little audacious. But it was probably the most important milestone in the whole of my recovery process – it gave me something to hope for, a goal to believe in. The very next day I took my first few steps outside my house. And the day after that a few more. After having my cast removed a few months later I promised myself I’d start running the same way I’d started walking – one step at a time.

My first marathon

In the 12 months following the accident I concentrated on slowly building my strength up, so much so that in April 2007 I took part in my first ever marathon. Somehow I’d managed to recover from my broken back, come through all the pain and uncertainty, to be fitter than ever before. At one point during the race my whole body literally shivered when it hit me how lucky I was not only to be alive, but that I was doing something I would’ve previously never thought possible.

The feeling I had when I crossed the finish line that day was simply indescribable.  Prevailing against all odds filled me with such confidence and self-belief. And this desire has stuck with me ever since. I promised myself back then that I would hold onto this feeling. I had overcome this challenge so I wanted to see what else was possible. I wanted to push myself.

I want more

After running various marathons all around Europe, they simply weren’t enough for me any more. I wanted more. My ambition to push the boundaries of what was possible contrasted however with the question of how I could get more people involved in running. It had changed my life so surely it could have a positive impact on others?

And that’s how the U-Run was born. The event where thousands of schoolchildren push their limits running 5km, all the while being cheered on by their teachers. The event motivates kids to show their potential and believe that they can reach their big goals when they work hard.  

Becoming a personal trainer

As time went on, my passion for movement developed into me becoming a qualified personal trainer, helping people become more active and implement healthier habits into their lives. I use the experience and expertise I’ve garnered during my rollercoaster journey to be able to better empathise with people’s situations and offer them the necessary support. Whether it’s fitness trainings or motivational coaching, I always try to share this fire which has been burning within me ever since my accident. The feeling that anything is possible.