Martin’s - Edinburgh Marathon 2025

Before becoming unwell, I was the fittest I had ever been. Fitness wasn’t just something I enjoyed; it was central to who I was and vital to my role as a combat medic in the military.

But everything changed when I became ill. I couldn’t even walk my children to school. Going upstairs required a nap afterwards. I developed thyroid eye disease (TED) early on, which meant I couldn’t drive. My body had swollen up, I went up two shoe sizes, had severe joint pain, and barely recognised myself.

This marathon marked a turning point. It gave me something to focus on, a reason to get moving again, and a way to reclaim a part of myself. It wasn’t easy, but crossing that finish line was about more than the miles. It was a message to my body and mind that I was back in control.

I’m still serving in the military and proud to have run this for the British Thyroid Foundation – a cause that supports people like me when they need it most.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of friends, family, and supporters, I’ve raised £2,309.57 (excluding Gift Aid), far surpassing my original target of £500.