AGAINST THE ODDS

Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he describes how he got on last weekend, his latest daunting challenge!

Hi everyone.

Well, another weekend, another marathon conquered! This time it was the Southampton ABP Marathon, which took place on Sunday the 6th April. To say the lead-up to this one was challenging would be a massive understatement. With little to no real training under my belt due to a persistent lack of time – the season is truly upon us and the thought of another marathon was, frankly, a bit daunting.

But, as you all know by now, I’m determined to see this crazy challenge through. I’m thrilled to share that I completed the Southampton ABP Marathon in a time of 4 hours and 55 minutes! For me, that's a massive achievement, especially considering the circumstances.

This month’s marathon was supported by STIHL GB and EP Barrus, who have both very kindly donated to the fantastic causes I’m running for. Their generosity and kind words are truly appreciated and provides a real boost to my motivation.

This weekend, I also had the wonderful support of my wife along the route. Having her there cheering me on made a huge difference and helped me push through those tougher miles.

While I’m incredibly proud of finishing in under five hours, the experience definitely brought to light the fact that some consistent training and taking better care of myself would have made the whole thing a little less… brutal! The body definitely felt the strain of minimal preparation.

This leads me to think about a recent article I read about men's health. It highlighted some stark realities: in the UK, men are nearly 60% more likely to die prematurely before the age of 75 compared to women. Factors like higher rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and high cholesterol and blood pressure contribute to this. The article also pointed out that men have a lower life expectancy by four years.

It's not just about lifestyle choices either. Experts suggest biological reasons, like a less effective male immune system, play a role. Furthermore, there's often a lack of engagement with health services. Fewer than four in ten men take up the offer of NHS health checks, which are crucial for early detection of serious conditions.

The article also touched on inequalities, stating that life expectancy in the poorest 10% of areas is 10 years fewer than in the wealthiest, a larger gap than for women. In the most deprived areas, a man is 3.5 times more likely to die before the age of 75.

It's a real wake-up call and underscores why initiatives like the government's upcoming men's health strategy are so important. It also reinforces the need for us as individuals to take proactive steps in looking after ourselves – getting moving, talking to people, and taking up opportunities for health checks.

Each marathon, with its own unique challenges, reinforces the importance of what I’m doing – raising awareness and vital funds for Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice.

So, how can you help?

• Sponsor me: Please continue to support these incredible charities by donating to my fundraising page. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference.
• Cheer me on: Your messages of support are invaluable and keep me going, especially when the going gets tough. Thank you to everyone who sent their well wishes.
• Get inspired: Let's all prioritise our health and well-being. Even small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can have a significant impact.

Now, recovery in hand, I am prioritising more time for maintenance training before the next marathon looms. I hope that you’ll stay tuned for the next update on this ongoing adventure.