I spent 10 years in the army, and exercise was part of the daily routine, but everything changed when I left the army. I got used to life. Years went by and I finally woke up and didn’t like what I saw in the mirror, so exercise and healthy eating habits became part of my life.

Fast forward to 2022. We were in Punta Cana, our first full day at the resort. I went to the pool to test my scuba gear in preparation for a dive the next day. On the way back to drop off my weights, I felt an unpleasant sensation in my chest, but I put it down to the fact that I hadn’t dived for six months. The discomfort continued, and then it felt like a knife was being stuck in my chest. I had no idea what was happening, but I was having a heart attack! Three stents later, in a hospital in Santo Domingo, a hotel stay and we were allowed to go home 10 days after the operation.

I wanted to do the Army Run in 2022, but my head wasn’t in it. I was feeling fragile, afraid to do anything for fear of triggering another heart attack, so the opportunity eluded me. I made the decision to go for it this year, 2023, and I wanted to make a splash, so I signed up for the Sergeant Major’s Challenge. I’m thrilled that my granddaughter will be joining me for the 5 km portion! I’ll be carrying an old-school backpack and the C&E Branch flag for all to see.