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Ajibola Akanji will be lacing up his trainers for his second Ealing half marathon in September and will be running for Meadow House Hospice.

The 47-year-old clinical lead occupational therapist says: “I love my job especially supporting people who are going through some very difficult times in their lives.

“I decided to run the half marathon last year to try to give something back to people who are coping with cancer, and Meadow House Hospice seemed like the perfect charity to raise money for. The care they give cancer patients is amazing.

“I did underestimate how challenging it would be. I have never been a runner, and thought that as I played football, it would be easy. But it turned out, it was anything but easy. I walked, jogged, and ran my way around the course, determined to finish it. I’m proud to say that I made it but suffered for almost a month afterwards. I had booked a holiday as my reward but had to use a walking stick to get around!

“But it didn’t put me off and I’ve signed up again this year. I won’t be making the same mistake though and will be starting my training regime shortly.

“My colleagues have been really supportive and two of them have even signed up to join me so it will be great to have some company and encouragement along the route.”

If you’d like to take part and raise money for Meadow House Hospice, visit https://lnwhcharity.org.uk/.../get-involved-events-ealing...