John, who runs for Thornbury Running Club, was completing his final marathon of nine – each begining with a letter of his name. He has raised money for charity in each one and as we chatted he also explored all the other reasons he runs and the benefits it brings him.

It felt that his running connected him up to himself and others in so many ways. He is able to clear the stress of the day, connect with his friends, be present with his family and at the same time make a difference at a global level in raising money for causes that are dear to him.