Meet Josh Dixon from Northamptonshire. In October 30-year-old Josh took on the Chiltern 50 Challenge, a 50km cross country event, as well as running the Oxford Half Marathon.

And he did this just months after having open heart surgery!

Josh wanted to raise money for the Oxford Heart Centre after having open heart surgery five times, with his most recent operation just 11 months ago. Josh wears a special medical device that can monitor and treat irregular heart conditions, called an S-ICD, and was excited to be well enough to run again.

He told us: ‘While in hospital there were days when the thought of getting out of bed seemed impossible, let alone walking, and the physical effort required to do so was overwhelming. Even climbing a flight of stairs or jogging 30 yards left me gasping for air. But somehow, when the odds were stacked against me, I found a way to push on to the next goal or stage in recovery. Each step and mile I conquered reminds me of those challenging times in recovery when it felt like every step forward was a victory.’

Josh’s managed to complete the Chiltern 50 in just over nine hours and The Oxford Half Marathon in under three and he has raised over £1,500 to support the Oxford Heart Centre that cared for him so well.

“Doing this run was a way for me to give back and support a cause so close to my heart. The charity paid a vital role in my recovery, funding equipment and support for the medical team that cared for me. So, I wanted to say thank you and also help others who might be going through something similar.”

After completing the Oxford Half he added: “It was difficult as my legs weren’t fully recovered from the previous 50km, but I wanted to boost my fundraising and also to just show what the body is capable of even when not feeling 100%”

Josh is still fundraising for the Heart Centre, and said: ‘Every donation brings us one step closer to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most’.

You can still support Josh's JustGiving page here.