A woman marked the first anniversary of life-changing surgery by completing the Bath Half Marathon and raising more than £1,000 for the hospital charity linked to her care.
Julia Herridge at the Bath Half | Photo © Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity
Julia Herridge, 39, who lives in Bath and teaches locally, crossed the finish line on 15th March almost exactly a year after having her stomach removed at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
Her operation came after years of treatment for a rare stomach condition, later identified as Ménétrier’s Disease.
Over an eight-year period she underwent several procedures and continued to receive specialist support from the BRI’s Upper GI team, before facing her most significant surgery in March 2025.
Looking back, Julia described the operation as daunting, but said the support she received from staff helped her through it.
She said: “It was a big, daunting surgery with a long recovery. But I was so well looked after.
“The medical staff have all been wonderful, from the nurses to the surgical team – everyone made sure I understood what was happening and helped me through every stage. I felt genuinely cared for.”
Although recovery was challenging, Julia said she began feeling better than she had in years. By late summer, she was well enough to begin taking exercise again, starting with short runs and local parkruns near her home.
She said: “I started running in September – just short distances at first. But little by little I realised I could do more. I’d never been a serious runner, and with anaemia and my condition it had always been difficult. But this time I felt different. Stronger.”
What began as a gradual return to fitness turned into a much bigger target. Encouraged by her progress, Julia decided to take on the Bath Half both as a personal achievement and as a way of thanking the hospital team who had cared for her.
She said: “I thought it would be a lovely challenge – something positive after such a tough year – and a way to give back. The BRI looked after me through some really difficult times, so running for the hospital charity just felt right.”
Since the operation, Julia has adapted to eating small meals more regularly and makes sure she carries snacks with her on longer runs.
“I’m very lucky with how I’ve recovered. Some people struggle far more. I’ve figured out what works for me – I always have lots of snacks with me, including chocolate on long runs!” she said.
Julia completed the race in 1 hour 57 minutes alongside her husband, who is himself a long-time runner. She said reaching the end of the course was an emotional moment.
“It’s amazing to think where I was last March and where I am now,” she said. “I still have to be careful with my diet, but I feel fitter than ever.
“Running has become part of my recovery, and I’m genuinely grateful that I’m able to run at all. Crossing the finish line was quite emotional!”
She has now raised £1,180 for Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, which supports patients, families and NHS staff across 10 hospitals within University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.
Julia said the response to her fundraiser had been greater than she expected, adding: “People have been really, really generous; more than I expected.”
Reflecting on the years leading up to the operation, she said: “Having that surgery hanging over me for years was stressful. But the care I received at BRI lifted so much of that anxiety. I’m incredibly thankful to the whole team – the surgeons, the nurses, the dietitians – everyone.
“They helped me get my life back.”
Sarah Pryer, Director of Fundraising & Marketing at Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, said: “We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Julia on completing the Bath Half and raising such an impressive amount.
“We’re incredibly grateful that she chose to support our charity as a way of thanking the teams who cared for her, and we’re truly inspired by her determination and positivity throughout her recovery.
“The money raised will help us bring moments of joy, comfort and hope to patients cared for by the fantastic team at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.”
