As a former helicopter pilot in the RAF, Aleks served in both the Falklands and Northern Ireland and kept very fit by competing in marathons.However after developing back problems 10 years ago Aleks was forced to stop his training and believed that his running days were over.

But after turning 40 last year, Aleks has decided that the time has come to lose weight and get fit again, all in the name of a great cause that is very close to his heart.

“Cancer is a horrible condition that keeps touching me, my family and friends along with the lives of many others,” Aleks explains.“CLIC Sargent is the UK's leading children's cancer charity and it does a fantastic job at supporting children, young people and their families through all that cancer throws at them. Raising money for CLIC Sargent is a very strong motivator for me to get fit and finish my first race in 10 years.”

After Aleks founded itineris 7 years ago he had even less time for running. However, he is now receiving lots of support from his colleagues. He has extra incentive after Matt Davy (Head of Operations) and Tim Butcher (Technical Director) laid down a very personal challenge. All 3 of the men are aiming to lose a stone in 12 weeks. The first to achieve this target will have a night at the very stylish Salthouse Harbour hotel in Ipswich for him and his wife - paid for by the other two.

Although he has undertaken the BUPA 10k challenge primarily for a good cause, it's fair to say that Aleks will be delighted with a return to being as fit and trim as he once was.“After 7 years in an office job it is quite frustrating that getting fit again is so hard. But my 40th birthday gave me the impetus I needed as I really don't want to be unfit and fifty. So if you see a slightly overweight, middle-aged guy running around Suffolk please don't laugh too much - it may be me!”