Defying the Odds – RelyOn Nutec Operations Manager takes on charity challenge after critical spinal surgery

Simon Varley, Operations Manager at RelyOn Nutec, was working as an instructor at our training facility in Aberdeen when he was diagnosed with a spinal condition in June 2020. He had been experiencing back pain and following a visit to his doctor, was advised that without surgery he would become severely disabled within 3-5 years. The spinal injury, which was likely caused by years of physical activity, gave Simon no choice but to have the surgery, putting his career as an instructor in jeopardy.

Following the procedure in January 2021, he was advised that not only would it take 18 months to recover, but the extent of that recovery was unknown. Before the diagnosis, Simon enjoyed running but the uncertainty of his future made the possibility of him running again unsure, which negatively affected his mental health.

Despite his struggles, Simon always had the support from RelyOn Nutec both mentally and financially and he received regular medical guidance from the organisation’s healthcare team during his time away from work. He had regular contact with managers and colleagues who provided moral support, ensuring him he was still a part of the team and that they were just a phone call away. With this support Simon returned to work in June 2021, a year after his diagnosis, initially working from home in a role involving operational planning before returning to the office full-time. Shortly afterwards in July, he was fully cleared by his doctor and was promoted to Operations Manager for Scotland, just a month later.

Against all odds, his recovery was a complete success and within days Simon was running again. Shortly afterwards, he discovered Tommy10k online.

Tommy 10K, a charity by Royal British Legion Industries, challenges people to run, walk or travel 10 kilometers throughout October to fundraise for veterans with disabilities. Simon felt that because he was fortunate enough to make a full recovery, he would use his passion for running to raise funds for the veterans that no longer had this privilege.

Since then, Simon took it upon himself to go above and beyond, challenging himself to run not just 10 kilometers in October, but 100. He recently surpassed his target completing an incredible 108.8 kilometers with a total of 14 hours training time, finishing with the 15 kilometer night trail race, the illuminator run. RelyOn Nutec is honoured to aid Simon in this incredible achievement and to have the capability of supporting its employees in times of need.

If you wish to support Simon Varley in his Tommy10k fundraiser, you can donate up until the 11^th of November by following the link below: https://www.facebook.com/donate/5313322128765089/618385609992808/