“Running allowed me to regain my spark” - Hussnian takes on the Big Half and London Marathon

Finding his spark through running

Before taking up running, Hussnian had a background in powerlifting. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, he suffered a major injury while bench pressing, tearing his left pectoral muscle.

Unable to exercise for almost two years, Hussnian says the impact on his mental health was significant. He describes becoming “the unhealthiest and least fit” he had ever been.

Returning to exercise, and particularly running, helped him rebuild his physical and mental wellbeing and rediscover his spark.

“Getting back into exercise and looking after my health again through running allowed me to regain my spark and, more importantly, get out of that dark hole. So now I try to help as many of those around me as I can.”

His experience has also inspired him to become an advocate for mental health and encourage his friends and family to make health and wellbeing part of their everyday lives.

Why mental health matters to Hussnian

Hussnian chose to run for CNWL NHS Health Charity because its work reflects something he feels strongly about personally.

“When this charity came up in the list of charities I could have applied for, it was a no-brainer. It aligns with things I massively vouch for myself, so to be able to help them in their mission is something I feel inspired to do.”

Through his fundraising, Hussnian hopes to encourage others to prioritise their own health and wellbeing.

“Seeing people push themselves past limits they thought they were not capable of and, in the process, grow mentally and physically is one of the best things to see.”

His fundraising will help CNWL NHS Health Charity support projects that help people receiving care from Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust to recover, stay well and thrive through some of the most challenging moments in their lives.

Training for the challenge

The Big Half will be Hussnian’s eighth half marathon. Since starting his running journey in 2024, he has also completed two marathons and hopes to complete a half marathon in every city across the UK.

With his first run for the charity taking place on 6 September, Hussnian has begun a focused four-week training block to ensure he is ready. For him, the day is about much more than his finish time. It represents the discipline, hard work and resilience that have gone into getting there.

His goal is to finish in under two hours, but he is particularly looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere on race day.

He also credits the support of those around him with keeping him motivated and accountable throughout his running journey.

His experience of running through the streets of London during the 2025 London Marathon also left a lasting impression. Now, Hussnian is preparing to return to the marathon in 2027, this time as part of CNWL NHS Health Charity’s first-ever London Marathon team.

Support Hussnian

Thanks to the incredible support he has received, Hussnian has already reached his £350 fundraising target for the Big Half. With both marathons still ahead of him, he is hoping to raise even more for CNWL NHS Health Charity and help support better mental health and wellbeing for others.

You can support Hussnian’s fundraising through his pages:

• Big Half Marathon 2026

• London Marathon 2027