intouch

For this edition of intouch, we caught up with Simon Parker from Ashtons Legal. Amongst other things, we find out why he loves running, and how he’s using it to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

What attracted you to conveyancing?
I think it was the idea that everything moved pretty quickly and you were helping people. I remember when I was first training, the guy I was working with was always working on several things at once and seemed to be really enjoying what he did. Where did those days go??

What’s your proudest moment?
Apart from getting married, and the birth of my two sons, it would probably have to be finishing the London Marathon in April. I know that thousands of people do it every year, but having now completed it, I see what an achievement it is. Everyone who runs it really does deserve that medal after crossing the finish line!

What made you want to take on that particular challenge?
It was a friend in the office who wanted to run one before she was 30. I offered to train with her, but after seeing her training plan I decided to enter myself. The preparation had so many stages – choosing a charity to run for, raising the sponsorship money, and training hard to get the required distance under my belt. Having only ever run a few 10k’s and one half marathon before, this was a bit of challenge!

I ran for Aspire, a small national spinal injury charity. I chose them because in 2002 I unexpectedly awoke one February morning with a back ache and numbness in my left leg and foot. Following the diagnosis and finding that I had "slipped" two of the discs in my lower back, a successful discectomy meant that I am again able to undertake pretty much every activity I want or dare to do. In 2011 my sister also slipped two discs in her lower back. She underwent a similar surgical procedure, but unfortunately it was not as successful as my operation had been, and she still struggles with pain and has some restricted mobility. It made me realise that anyone, anywhere can be affected by this type of injury, and the level of recovery can differ greatly.

Finally, what’s your favourite hobby and why should we all give it a go?
Currently running. Everyone should give it a try because I find that it gives me a real buzz. It’s a great way to clear your head, and you meet some great people along the way.