Throughout this year’s Olympic Games we are going to be showcasing some of our own Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust sporting heroes.

Our next champion is Quality Improvement Programme Lead Tom Johnson who is strava-ing for gold at the London marathon.

For the first time in its history, the Virgin Money London Marathon will take place in October. It was announced on 13 March that, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the race date would be postponed from Sunday 26 April to Sunday 3 October.

When asked why he was doing the fundraiser, father-of-three Tom said:

“I will be fundraising for our trust’s fabulous charity, Well Wishers, as I would love to help the wellbeing of our Critical Care Unit colleagues who are still getting hit hard with COVID-19 patients – it has been relentless for them.

“I also have unfinished business with the London Marathon after a difficult run in 2011 where I suffered with dehydration.”

Tom has been training hard and explained:

“Training has been up and down. The cancellation of last year has allowed me to recover from an Achilles injury. Since then it’s gone really well. I’ve run over 450 miles this year so far with personal best times for 5km, 10km and half marathon. I also very recently ran my longest training run, clocking up 18 miles.”

When asking what he was most nervous and excited about, the 38-year-old Aston Villa fan said:

“I am most nervous about having the same issues as 2011 and feeling disappointed again. However I am very excited about trying to enjoy the last mile and running towards Buckingham Palace with a smile on my face and my family cheering me on.”

All of us here at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and Well Wishers charity will be rooting for Tom and wish him the best of luck for his fundraiser.

If you would like to donate to Tom’s JustGiving page please click here.