Mike Bosnell took up running during the first lockdown using the ‘couch to 5k’ challenge and then joined St Barnabas Hospice for ‘Gone Running’ along with his partner’s dog, Florrie. He has now taken up the Hospice’s ‘Don’t Quit, Get Fit’ challenge and will be using it as training for the Great North Run in September.
Mike said, “There could be no better cause than St Barnabas and I want to do my bit to repay the kindness and care they gave my mum when she passed away.
“My dad once said to me, “your mum’s the best friend you’ll ever have,” which was so true. Mum was caring, loving and always there for me. We had many laughs over the years and our love was unconditional. When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I was simply devastated. It is still so very hard now; even the simplest of things can sometimes bring tears.
“St Barnabas came to her house and cared for her, allowing her to remain at home until she passed away. Their care was unbelievable, and it had the personal touch.
Mike is currently doing two four-mile runs and one six-mile run each week as he trains for the Great North Run. His plan is to slowly build distance in order to reach the thirteen-mile target.
Mike said, “Running gives me a massive fitness boost and has greatly helped with a heart and blood pressure condition which I was diagnosed with. My most recent annual check-up was the best I have ever had, with both my heart rate and blood pressure being normal! After telling my doctor about the running I have taken up, he told me not to stop and explained in more detail how the running was helping me.
“For anyone just starting out with running, my main piece of advice is to get the correct running shoes. I went to Lincolnshire Runner, explained the type of running I was doing, and they did the rest for me! I also think you need to be sensible with distances and always make sure to warm up.
“For my Don’t Quit, Get Fit challenge, I will be maintaining my three-day running programme each week along with Florrie. The support I received from St Barnabas has been second to none. They have helped with everything from running kit to suggested training programmes and are always on the end of the phone if I need anything.”
Don’t Quit, Get Fit runs from January to March 2021 and it is completely free to sign up. Those who create a fundraising page on JustGiving as part of their challenge will also receive a free St Barnabas water bottle.
Make a positive change in your life today, just like Mike, and sign up at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/dontquit