Mike plans to join charity walk despite a broken back

ONE Hospiscare supporter is so passionate about the charity's Men's Walk he is doing it again this year – with a broken back.

Mike Kocziban, an NHS IT worker from Beacon Heath, took part in the inaugural Men's Walk last year with his nephew and is determined that his injury won't stop him doing the event again on Saturday, March 16.

The 10-kilometre loop starts and finishes at Sandy Park, the Exeter Chiefs stadium.

"I'm slightly embarrassed by the whole thing, if I'm honest," Mike said. "I had really been getting into my training this year and, in fact, the night before I had been running across Haldon in the dark with the Isca Hash House Harriers.

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"But unfortunately my injury is nothing to do with running – I simply fell down the stairs three weeks ago.

"I broke two vertebrae, shattered my coccyx and bruised two ribs, so walking is a bit of a challenge, but I am determined to get fit enough for the walk.

"If I look at the big picture, I am in relatively good health compared to those people who are using the hospice – and Hospiscare relies on donations from fundraisers like me for the fantastic service they provide for the patients. So I am not going to let a broken back stop me."

The walk follows a scenic 10k circuit through the Ludwell Valley and to the River Exe.

The challenge is to make it back to Sandy Park in time for the kick-off for Wales v England in the Six Nations, which is being shown on the big screens in the Exeter Suite at the home of the Exeter Chiefs.

For more information on the Men's Walk or to sign up see www.menswalk.co.uk or call 01392 688020.