Muscle Mechanic Sports Massage

21/09/2025

Another training run in the bag - 26.2 miles along the simply stunning (and surprisingly sunny, but also savage) Giant’s Causeway Coastline.

Not the fastest marathon, but in my defence… it’s not the flattest either!
And full disclosure: it was actually my first.

Every race like this is stepping stone (pun intended) towards the big one: the legendary Marathon des Sables next April - 250km across the Sahara desert.



As always, the miles are mine, but the cause is his. Running , raising awareness of ALD, and supporting Alex TLC.


https://www.justgiving.com/page/forlittlesam

19/09/2025

08/09/2025

Looking at the wrong camera - classic

I look determined though, and if you read on, you’ll know why.

One day on from the Great North Run.
Legs are tired, medal’s on the side, and I’ve had time to reflect.

The numbers don’t matter. Yesterday wasn’t about splits or times - it was about showing up, putting one foot in front of the other, and remembering why I signed up in the first place.

This race was a milestone, not the finish line. The real challenge is still ahead: 250km across the Sahara in the Marathon des Sables next April. Six days. Self-supported. 50°C heat.
A midlife crisis on paper… but in reality, it’s for something much bigger.

For three years I’ve had the privilege of working with Little Sam. He’s 13, cheeky, stronger than I’ll ever be - and he lives with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a cruel condition that attacks the brain and nervous system.

So when the runs get tough - whether it’s 21km in Newcastle or 250km in the desert - I remind myself why I’m doing this.
For awareness. For Alex TLC. For Little Sam.

The race is over. The mission isn’t. 🚀

https://www.justgiving.com/page/forlittlesam/

06/09/2025

Tomorrow is the Great North Run.
13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields.

For a lot of people it’s a bucket-list race. For me, it’s also a stepping stone - part of my build-up to the Marathon des Sables next April: 150 miles across the Sahara, self-supported, in 50°C heat.

I’m not doing it for times, medals, or bragging rights. I’m doing it .

Sam is 13. He’s cheeky, strong, and tougher than I’ll ever be. For three years I’ve had the privilege of treating Sam - and losing at thumb wars. He also lives with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a brutal condition that slowly attacks the brain and nervous system.
There’s no cure. It’s as cruel as it sounds.

So when I line up tomorrow, it’s not just about running a half marathon. It’s about raising awareness for ALD, supporting , and showing up for Little Sam - just like he shows up every single day.

Every mile matters. Tomorrow’s 13.1, and the Sahara’s 150, are all for him.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/forlittlesam

If you can spare a donation, a share, or even just a conversation - it all helps.

20/08/2025

Midweek Motivation

Midweek Motivation isn’t hard to find when I get to see this little lad.
Little Sam is cheeky, brave, and the best thumb-wars opponent I’ve ever had (he usually wins).

For three years now he’s been my favourite client, but he’s also the reason I’m training to run 250km across the Sahara next year.

Little Sam lives with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) - a brutal condition that attacks the brain and nervous system.
There’s no cure. But there is support, and that’s what provides for families like Sam’s.

So when the training gets tough, I look at this face and remember why I’m doing it.
For more Sam smiles, more cheek, and more thumb-war battles I’m destined to lose.

If you can help me raise awareness and funds for ALD and Alex TLC, please consider donating or sharing. Every mile I run is .

➡️ https://www.justgiving.com/page/forlittlesam

Link in Bio

02/07/2025

I’ve just been reminded that one year ago today, I started Couch to 5K.
I was 12 weeks post-surgery after an MCL repair and meniscectomy.
More scars, slow, hobbled steps, and a knee I still don’t trust - but I started.

Fast forward to today: I’m training to run 250km across the Sahara Desert.
Not because I’m fast, or built for this, or trying to prove anything -
but because I’ve found the something (and someone) worth running for!

In April 2026, two years after that surgery, I’ll be taking on the Marathon des Sables -
six days, 250km, through the Sahara, fully self-supported, and in temperatures reaching 50°C.
To raise money and awareness for Alex TLC and for a truly special 13-year-old boy, Little Sam; who lives with a rare, brutal condition called ALD.

I’ve had five knee surgeries. Lets not count my other limbs.
Started over more times than I really care to count.
But now, I’ve got direction - and that makes all the difference!!

Running for something bigger than myself -

Please Like, Share, and Donate

https://www.justgiving.com/page/forlittlesam

01/07/2025

"Warning: Official Teenager – May Contain Attitude"

That’s what the t-shirt says.

But let’s be honest - it’s not attitude…
It’s cheekiness! It’s resilience! It’s Little Sam!

Little Sam is 13.
He’s cheeky, brave, and lives with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) - a rare, cruel disease that attacks the brain and nervous system.

Little Sam is the reason I’m running 250km across the Sahara next April.
To raise funds for and awareness for ALD.

Because Little Sam deserves better.


https://www.justgiving.com/page/forlittlesam

25/06/2025

New vest. Same old tan lines.

Oh well! Not to worry - I’m sure I will have PLENTY of time to sort them out while I’m running 250km across the Sahara. 👀

Proud to be wearing my new vest as I train for - raising funds and awareness for ALD, one mile at a time.

24/06/2025

Top 25% of JustGiving fundraisers!!

Didn’t expect that, at all, let alone, this early on.

Every single donation, message, and share has made a difference - and it’s all and , the charity supporting children and families affected by ALD.

There is still a long way and (what I can only imagine will be) an uncomfortable amount of sand to go before I hit 250km across the Sahara, but we’re off to a strong start!

Thank you to everyone who’s supported so far - let’s keep this going.

22/06/2025

His name is Little Sam.

He’s 13. Brave, cheeky, and one of the strongest kids that I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting.
He lives with ALD - a rare, cruel disease that attacks the brain and nervous system.
There’s no cure.

Next year I turn 40.
And so does the Marathon des Sables.

Six days - 250km across the Sahara.
Brutal desert heat, blistering sand, and carrying everything I need on my back.

It’s been on my bucket list for almost 20 years now. I’ve had all the excuses.
But now I’ve found my reason.

I’ve had the honour of treating Sam for the last three years, and this run is for him.
I’m raising money for Alex TLC, the charity supporting families like Sam’s.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/forlittlesam

22/02/2025

Hey!
I’m away for a little bit on PSBC at the IBS, Brecon ( ), which means that my work in clinic will be on pause for a while.
I’ll be back soon, ready to get you moving pain-free again! Stay active & see you all soon!

08/08/2024

🏃‍♂️ For those of you who don’t know! 🏃‍♀️

Like last year, this September, I’ll be taking on the challenge of the AJ Bell Great North Run (the world’s largest half marathon), to support Shelter (the housing and homelessness charity). 🏠❤️

Shelter works tirelessly to defend the right to a safe home, providing crucial advice, information, and advocacy for those affected by the housing emergency. Every day, millions of people are facing housing challenges, and Shelter is there to help them thrive.

I’m proud to run in support of Shelter and their mission to ensure everyone has a place to call home. 🏡

Please join me in making a difference!
You can sponsor my run and help raise funds for this incredible cause. Every donation counts and brings us one step closer to ending the housing crisis.

👉 Donation Link
https://www.instagram.com/linking/fundraiser?fundraiser_id=1037367421063622

Thank you for your support!
Together, we can make a real impact. 💪