AN EAR, nose and throat doctor swapped his scrubs for running shoes as he took on the London Marathon.
Michael Gach, from Solihull, lined up alongside thousands of others on Sunday (April 21) to take on the 26.2mile course across the capital.
The Warwick Hospital doctor was running in aid of Tinnitus UK, which supports those living with the condition and helps funds more research into it.
He was inspired to take up the mantel for the charity not only to raise awareness of the condition he suffers with personally but also in honour of his patients who are affected.
He said: “A lot of my patients have tinnitus and so I can see how difficult it is for them. It is a condition that I also have and so I know first-hand how difficult it can be.
“Even though it’s a common condition, it can be awful for patients, especially when first diagnosed. It can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and sleep problems due to tinnitus keeping people up at night.
“Tinnitus UK provides vital support for these patients and also leads research in this field.
“This is particularly important as the treatment options are very limited, so I am hopeful that new research will help patients manage their tinnitus better in the future.”
He has raised £1,900 so far but said it would be amazing to cross the £2,000 milestone.
Michael started running two and a half years ago at Parkrun in Brueton Park where says he was bitten by the running bug.
Speaking of the marathon, Michael said: “The crowd were fantastic – they cheer you on, give high fives and offer snacks.
“There are bands and DJs playing music along the way, all of which made the time pass more quickly than it did during my training runs.
“Pushing in the last five miles or so was the toughest part but also the most rewarding.
“I was delighted to finish in 3:39:13. The sense of achievement at the end is enormous.
“It was also an honour to raise money and awareness for a condition that I care so much about.”
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