This isn’t just my story — it’s for anyone who’s ever looked in the mirror or at a photo and thought: “I can’t go on like this.”
That was me in August 2024. My sister visited from Ireland, and we took a picture together. When I saw it, I felt disgusted with how I looked. Then I stepped on the scales: 323 lbs. In that moment, I knew I had two choices — keep going the way I was, or fight for the life I wanted.
I chose to fight.
At first, it wasn’t pretty. I could barely manage one lap around my local park. I averaged just 4,000 steps a day. But with grit, determination, and the help of the Team RH app, I started small and built it up, one step at a time. Slowly, 4k became 10k, then 15k, then 20,000 steps a day.
By May, I hit my target weight. And then came the moment that changed everything: a friend entered me into the Great Manchester Run 10k. I didn’t feel ready, but I said yes. On race day, I gave it everything and crossed the line in 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 25 seconds. That finish line lit a fire inside me — the start of a whole new chapter.
From there, I trained harder, using the Runna app and tracking every run on Strava. I signed up for the Altrincham 10k, determined to beat my time. But more than times and distances, running gave me something I didn’t expect — it became my therapy. As someone who struggles with mental health, running gave me an outlet, a way to breathe, and a way to fight back.
In August 2025, I decided I wanted to give back. I joined Team Christie’s to run the Manchester Marathon, raising money for Christie’s Cancer Charity. It’s not just about me anymore — it’s about using my journey to make a difference.
The furthest I’ve run so far is 13 km. On April 19th, 2026, I’ll attempt 42 km — the Manchester Marathon. The challenge of my life.
But here’s the truth: if I can do this, anyone can.
A year ago, I was overweight, unfit, and stuck. Now, I’m chasing finish lines, raising money for charity, and proving to myself that change is possible — no matter your starting point.
👉 This site is here to share my journey — the highs, the lows, and the reality of starting over. I’ll be documenting it all through TikTok, Strava, and regular updates as I train, race, and fundraise over the next 12 months.
If my story connects with you, if you’ve ever felt like giving up on yourself, I want you to know this: you’re stronger than you think. Start small. Take that first step. Because one day, like me, you might find yourself running towards a marathon you never thought possible.
The journey has only just begun. 💛
💪 Support the Cause
I’m running the Manchester Marathon for Christie’s Cancer Charity — and every step I take is to raise vital funds for their incredible work. If you’d like to support, you can donate here:
Together, we can make every mile count. 🏃♂️✨