Sean Fletcher, a well-known figure on ITV’s *Good Morning Britain* and BBC1’s *Countryfile*,
has developed a personal drive to maintain his fitness—one that has grown stronger with the passing of time.
At 50, Sean is acutely aware of the risks he faces, particularly in light of the tragic loss of his mother, Carol, who passed away from bowel cancer at the age of 54.
This stark reminder of the importance of health has inspired him to prioritize his fitness in a way he hadn’t before.
Reflecting on the impact his mother’s death has had on his approach to health,
Sean shared, “That puts me at a fairly high risk – so now that I’m 50, I’m aware that staying in good shape is particularly important for me.”
He acknowledges that he hadn’t always been diligent about his fitness, admitting that in the past, he often put other commitments ahead of taking care of his health. Despite not being significantly overweight, Sean admits that he struggled with even basic physical tasks, saying, “I would be seriously out of breath running for the bus.”
With a demanding schedule, balancing early mornings for *Good Morning Britain* and the responsibilities of family life, Sean found it difficult to make time for fitness. “Fitness wasn’t a priority,” he confesses. However, things began to change when he made a life-changing decision that would not only transform his relationship with exercise but also honor the memory of his late mother.
Before turning 40, Sean had never run more than 5 kilometers in his life, and he wasn’t particularly fond of running, especially after enduring cross-country runs during his school days. But in 2015, after the loss of his mother, he found a new source of motivation—he signed up for the London Marathon in her memory, committing to run for the charity *Bowel Cancer UK*. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one where running became more than just a fitness activity—it became a tribute to his mother’s memory and a way for him to raise awareness about the disease that took her life.
Sean’s journey toward becoming a marathon runner was filled with challenges. He describes the numerous painful and often cold and wet training sessions, but as time went on, he found himself developing a love for running. “It took many months of training, but I completed my first marathon, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the most incredible things I’ve done in my life,” Sean reflects. His first marathon was a milestone achievement, not just in terms of physical endurance, but also as a deeply emotional and personal victory.
Since then, Sean has continued his marathon journey, completing the London Marathon two more times. His passion for running has only grown, and recently, his children played a part in motivating him to take his fitness to the next level. They entered him in a half marathon in Venice, further pushing him to ramp up his training. “Running is my way of unwinding, physically and mentally,” Sean explains. “As I run more, I notice I get into better shape, so I feel better about myself.”
Running has become a vital part of Sean’s life, helping him to manage stress and maintain both his physical and mental well-being. He finds solace in nature during his runs, whether it’s through the countryside or city parks. “The combination of my surroundings and the exercise helps me unwind and clear my mind,” he shares. For Sean, the experience of running isn’t always easy, and even after years of training, he still struggles at times. “I still struggle on most runs, so there is always an element of feeling like I’ve achieved something, which is a great feeling,” he says.
Sean’s dedication to running and staying fit goes beyond personal health—it is deeply rooted in his desire to honor his mother’s memory and raise awareness about bowel cancer. By sharing his story, he hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health and take the necessary steps to stay fit, especially as they approach a certain age or face genetic health risks. His story highlights the powerful connection between personal loss and motivation, showing how tragedy can lead to transformation and a renewed focus on living a healthy life.
As an ambassador for *Go Outdoors*, Sean continues to share his journey with his followers, proving that it’s never too late to make fitness a priority. His story is one of resilience and determination, and it serves as a reminder that staying healthy isn’t just about physical appearance—it’s about taking control of your well-being and honoring those who’ve inspired you along the way.
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