7:50pm Wednesday 10th March 2010
By Hayley Court
A SWINDON GP is swapping her stethoscope for running shoes in a bid to complete the London Marathon for charity BackCare.
Dr Ali Brooks of Whalebridge Practice at Carfax Street NHS Medical Centre, has run through three pairs of trainers since starting her marathon training last year, and hopes to complete the 26-mile course within four-and-a-half hours on April 25.
The 45 year old, who also specialises in botox and tattoo removal at Great Western Hospital’s Shalbourne Suite, ran the Bath Half Marathon last Sunday as part of her training, having two Swindon Half Marathons under her belt already.
“I started running four years ago and found it is such a great way to relieve stress and tension,” she said.
“I did my first 300 metres and thought ‘Oh God I’m going to die’ but after a while I pushed on through and eventually wanted to do a half marathon.
“I have done Swindon twice now and thought if I was going to do the London Marathon I’d do it for charity, so here I am running 26 miles for BackCare.”
BackCare is a national charity aiming to reduce the impact of back pain on society by providing information, support, promoting good practice and funding research.
The charity acts as a hub between patients, healthcare professionals, employers and others with an interest in back pain.
Around 80 per cent of adults will suffer with back pain in their life and being a GP, it’s something Dr Brooks sees all too often.
“Being a GP I see a lot of people come in with back pain and can see the effects it has on people both emotionally and physically,” she said.
“My father took time off work with back pain and many of my friends have experienced it.
“For that reason BackCare seemed an excellent choice as they do so much to research what causes back pain and how to treat it.”
Dr Brooks is running between 30 and 40 miles a week to the lead up to the challenge, as well as regular gym sessions at David Lloyd near Blunsdon.
“I’m sure I’ll be able to get round on the day in four hours or so at the rate I am going,” she said. “But just to complete it will make me very happy.”
To sponsor Dr Brooks, visit www.justgiving.com/alison-brooks.
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