Paul Fish is raising money for children’s hospital that saved the life of his mate’s little brother
FIVE months ago Paul Fish was told he was too heavy for an operation to have his wisdom teeth removed – now he has just finished a charity walk of 150km in 14 days.
The 44-year-old said the decision was the wake-up call he needed to change his ways – and in the process he has raised over £900 for the children’s hospital that saved the life of his mate’s brother.
“I felt like I was living a soulless existence. I was drinking and eating all the wrong things and weighed over 21 stone. My mental health was suffering, and I didn’t know how to get out of the cycle,” he said.
Determined to shift some weight, Paul started walking around Cardiff and quickly lost 25kg by the time he returned to hospital in January.
The extra energy he gained helped Paul enjoy other parts of his life and prompted him to change his career from car salesman to sports massage therapist. Then he has the idea to share his story and do something for charity.
“I decided that I could be doing more for other people,” Paul said. “I was in such a great place mentally that I wanted to share that feeling with others.”
Paul took up the challenge of walking 150km in February for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
He and 22 close friends and family completed the last leg of the journey on Friday, making the 3.5km walk from Llandaff Rugby Club to Cardiff Castle.
Paul’s childhood friend, Nigel Jones, saw the life-changing work of the hospital when his little brother Jamie was given six weeks to live, 42 years ago.
Nigel, who also completed the walk, said: “Jamie was born with Down Syndrome and two holes in his heart. They didn’t give him much of a chance.
“He spent eight weeks in hospital as a baby and they managed to keep him alive after shutting the holes and putting in some plastic valves.”
At the age of two, Jamie had a stroke, leaving him limited both physically and verbally.
“He’s never let it beat him,” added Nigel. “He’s been through the mill, but he’s a real soldier and keeps proving people wrong.
“Without Great Ormond Street he wouldn’t be here. They saved my brother’s life.”
Jamie, described as a “real character” by Paul, walked through Llandaff Fields with the others before being picked up in a minibus and dropped off closer to the castle.
“Jamie is a real inspiration to me. When Nigel said he wanted to get involved in the walk I couldn’t wait to see him,” said Paul.
Paul completed 146.5km of the walk in two weeks, the first four legs of which were to:
- Grangetown
- Old St Mellons
- St Fagans
- Heath Hospital
He worked out that he had burnt over 17,000 calories in that time.
After a leisurely stroll into town, Jamie rejoined the group and crossed Cardiff Bridge with Paul, to arrive at the castle together.
So what’s next? “I’m going to keep going. Walking is a major part of my life now and that’s not going to change,” said Paul.
“Today has been great and I’m hoping to keep raising money for GOSH through my Facebook page and GoFundMe.”
Great Ormond Street Hospital said: “On behalf of everyone here at GOSH Charity, I would like to say a huge thank-you to Paul for his amazing fundraising efforts.
“The money raised will make a big difference to the lives of seriously ill children across the UK who are treated at GOSH and we are so grateful for the support. We would like to wish Paul all the best.”
