George Puckett wasn't happy - and he couldn't put his finger on why.

The 31-year-old was living in a beautiful home in Abergavenny, south Wales on the edge of the stunning Brecon Beacons, with his fiancee and one-year-old boy.

But in the midst of making that life, he had forgotten to care for himself. Eating whatever he wanted and not exercising, George had ballooned to 130kgs (20 stone) and was struggling with his confidence as a result.

Hating every picture taken of him and over-thinking all the time, George was not only starting to lose sleep but was suffering panic attacks and palpitations.

Towards the end of last year, he realised it was time to make a change. While out for a walk, he decided he was not only going to start eating better and exercising, he was going to complete an Ironman.

George has already lost more than 30kg - almost five stone - and has now signed up to the Ironman Weymouth 70.3 in September. Aiming to inspire others along the way, George is also raising money for TalkClub, a men's mental health charity which provides therapy, talk sessions, and an exercise class.

Along the way, he wants to go from - as his Instagram account states - 'Fat Man to Ironman'.

Running Tales spoke to George about how running has helped his mental health, how he believes it will always be part of his life, and why he decided to take such a huge step towards physical and mental wellness...

Sponsor George to run Ironman Weymouth 70.3:

George's Ironman fundraiser⁠⁠

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Mark Doris, has been using running as a vehicle to raise vital funds for SANDS, the UK's leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, for more than ten years.

The charity is close to Mark's heart as he runs in memory of his stillborn son, Marco, who would have been 11 later this year.

His fundraising efforts have seen Mark raise more than £27,000 for SANDS. And along the way, he has tackled a wide variety of runs including obstacle course races and the 95-mile West Highland Way ultra marathon.

The latter event was an epic adventure three years, two attempts and one knee operation in the making. Mark eventually completed the run last year in 34 hours and 29 minutes, a phenomenal tribute to his resilience and the power of running for a cause.

Next on his list is this year's London Marathon, an event he is already training hard for - and will once again be running for SANDS.

Running Tales spoke to Mark about his running and fundraising efforts, the importance of SANDS, and how he managed to beat the West Highland Way...

Sponsor Mark to run The London Marathon for SANDS:

Mark's ⁠London Marathon fundraiser⁠

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Buy Me A Coffee:

Back Running Tales and help us continue to tell the extraordinary stories of everyday runners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/runningtales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Our affiliates:

◾TAKE THE BEST PATH: Path Projects offer some of the best running gear in the business.

I love this kit and it looks really cool even on a 48-year-old, decidedly average runner like me!

If you buy anything from Path Projects, Running Tales will get 10% of whatever you pay to help us continue to produce this Substack and the podcast.

Path Projects Affiliate Link

◾SLOTH & DUCK: More than a shop, Sloth & Duck is a movement celebrating the outdoors, purposeful living, and adventure at every pace.

Designed for trail runners and ultramarathoners, their kit is crafted to connect you to nature with comfort, intention, and a splash of whimsy.

Sloth & Duck Affiliate Link

◾DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE: Kibra empowers women to embrace their unique beauty through high-quality activewear designed to cultivate confidence and a resilient mindset.

Their distinctive performance wear supports every journey, while they also partner with global NGOs to bring about meaningful change.

If you buy anything from Kibra, Running Tales will get 20% of whatever you pay to help us continue to produce this Substack and the podcast.

Kibra Affiliate Link

This week's guests, Tom Doherty and Lewis Thompson, have taken overcoming adversity to another level, and are now reaping the rewards through a succession of crazy running challenges.

Tom's story began in 2023 when he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent six hours of surgery. A full year of gruelling treatment followed, but Tom emerged with renewed vigour and a desire to take his second chance at life.

Running has been his challenge of choice, with every mile a reminder of what he's overcome and how far he can go.

His partner in running crime, Lewis, was told he had a blood clot in 2024, eventually resulting in an operation to have a rib removed at the start of last year.

The former golf pro turned to running to get his fitness fix, and signed up for the Leeds Marathon after getting the news his mum had been diagnosed with cancer.

These days, the two friends have joined forces to run side by side through their recovery and across a host of distances from 5ks to ultra marathons. They do so under the moniker of the Stomp Bro's, chronicling their journey on Instagram.

And with the Manchester Marathon and a 100k ultra in the Lake District in their sights, as well as their own newly formed running club, they have plenty of stomping to do.

Running Tales tracked them down at a rare non-stomping moment to ask them about confronting illness at such a young age, finding solace - and power - in running, and becoming The Stomp Bro's...

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Path Projects offer some of the best running gear in the business. I love this kit and it looks really cool even on a 48-year-old, decidedly average runner like me!

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Check out The Stomp Bro's on Instagram

Donate to Tom and Lewis' Lake District 100k fundraiser for Breast Cancer Now