Dr Norman Shreeve (in white C and C vest above) is a busy NHS Obstetrician, Clinical Lecturer, Fetal Medicine Specialist, 2:16 marathon runner – and stroke survivor. His astonishing story has been captured in a brilliant short film on YouTube by The Distance Project, filmed and edited by 1609 Studios.

The runABC staff were moved by the honest, open interview Dr. Norman Shreeve gives as he knuckles down to a mega track session of 6 x 3000m with 1000m 'float' as part of his 110 miles per week preparations for the upcoming Berlin Marathon on 29 September 2024, where he hopes to trim his marathon PB of 2:16:17 to something nearer, or below, 2:15:00.

Dr Shreeve is coached by Phil O'Dell at Cambridge & Coleridge AC and started his endurance running journey with 3:01:39 in the Rhein Energie Marathon in Cologne, Germany, in October 2015. It has been onward and upward ever since and his recent best was that impressive 2:16:17 at Valencia, Spain, in 2021.

Life changed for Dr Shreeve while suffering from Covid-19 in April 2022. A blinding headache – when he actually lost his vision – was eventually diagnosed as an Ischemic Stroke. Suddenly, running was the least of his concerns. Despite being a doctor, well aware of the symptoms of stroke, Dr Shreeve was initially in denial and his diagnosis took a while.

He had what he describes as "a lucky escape", and slowly resumed high volume and high intensity training, managing 2:19:07 in the Valencia Marathon in December 2022. It was a remarkable recovery and buoyed by a 14:46 parkrun at Storeys Field in July this year plus a PB of 1:04:18 in the Houston Half Marathon in January, he is shooting for that 2:15:00 in Berlin.

Take a look at Dr Norman Shreeve's remarkable video on YouTube here... 

We agree with comments a fellow NHS doctor has posted on YouTube: "As an A and E doctor, I see how hard obstetricians work. They are some of the busiest and hard-working people in the hospital. So inspiring that Norman is able to fit in training around that. Also, so insightful to hear his experiences post stroke and the psychological impact of that. Thank you for a great video."

Dr Shreeve is 37 years old. Stroke can affect anyone at any age – it's not just a disease of the elderly. The video has been released to help raise awareness of young stroke and all proceeds will be donated to the Stroke Association. Click here for more information and to read how you can donate.

Photo courtesy Dr. Norman Shreeve on X