Roshan to run half marathon months after heart bypass

A MAN is set to take part in a half marathon less than a year from undergoing a quadruple heart bypass.

Roshan Khan, from Rumney in Cardiff, will compete in the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon to raise money for Cardiff & Vale Health Charity.

The journey that led Roshan to take on the iconic 13.1 mile course began following the loss of his wife to breast cancer in 2015.

He began to feel pains in his chest, but put it down to grief and a lack of fitness in his bid to get back in shape.

After battling against the discomfort, he finally went to his doctor, who referred him to the cardiology department at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff for crucial tests. They found the cause of Roshan’s problem to be angina and a blocked arteries.

The only solution was a quadruple bypass, but remarkably, Roshan is preparing to complete the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon less than 12 months later.

“I would never have thought I would be in a position to run a half marathon so soon after my operation,” he said.

“But once the initial rehab period was complete, I’ve been able to get back to Parkrun and I completed my first 5K about four weeks ago.

“Now I’m building towards the Cardiff Half on October 7. I’m just aiming to get around the course, but at the moment, everything is looking good. I couldn’t have imagined I would be in a position to even get on the start line, but I can’t wait.

“I wanted to give something back to the amazing nurses and staff at the cardiac unit at UHW, and when one of the nurses mentioned running the Cardiff Half Marathon in aid of the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, I just went for it.”

Roshan’s journey was boosted by an unlikely meeting with Dame Kelly Holmes at his local Parkrun this month.

He has already raised close to £150 but is aiming to hit the £500 mark for the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity.

“The Cardiff Half is a local race to me and I thought it would be a great challenge,” he added. “I’ve run three 10ks in my time but never done a half marathon. I just want to say a big thank you to all the nurses at the cardiac unit, so I will be thinking of them when I’m running the race.”

If you would like to support Roshan visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Roshan-Khan2 or text ROSK60 with your amount to 70070.