My Story

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

In November 2021, I contracted COVID-19, which resulted in the sudden loss of my smell and flavour/aromatic taste senses which I was hoping would return quickly.  However, 3 years on and my smell function remains severely diminished and my ability to experience flavour remains at zero.

This has had a profound impact on my life, but I have never lost heart.  Instead, I have sort ways to stay physically and mentally strong, finding solace in exercise, nutrition and even cold-water therapy, which has become a vital part of my routine.

It is a privilege to have been selected to represent and run the TCS London Marathon 2025 on Sunday 27th April for Fifth Sense, as their sole participant and hopefully raise much-needed funds and awareness for a charity that I follow closely, and which provides me with hope.  This is a personal mission to advocate for a cause that directly affects my wellbeing, making this marathon adventure extra special!  I will relish this opportunity and endeavour to do myself and the charity proud.

This experience will not only be physically rewarding but will also give me the chance to shine a light on the amazing work happening in the field of smell and taste disorders.  The London Marathon provides the perfect platform to increase visibility, promote, and celebrate all the fantastic research and trial work for which I am a participant, vital to the scientists in identifying possible solutions.  Hopefully, we can gain extra traction and perhaps secure further charity places in future marathons, that would be awesome!

On behalf of Fifth Sense, I would be immensely appreciative if you were able to kindly support my run and this incredible charity in anyway possible - thank you.  Rick xx