Nick Bailey completes marathon as recovery from Novichok poisoning continues
The officer left seriously ill by the 2018 Salisbury nerve agent attack has just completed a marathon to raise money for the hospital that saved his life.
Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey was one of the first officers to attend the home of the former Russian military officer Sergei Skripal after he and his daughter Yulia had been poisoned in March last year.
Despite wearing a protective suit, Det Sgt Bailey is believed to have fallen ill after coming in contact with Novichok on the Skripal’s front door handle.
Two days later he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Salisbury District Hospital where he spent 16 days recovering.
His mental and physical recovery has continued with the last six months training to complete the gruelling challenge to run the Salisbury marathon – 42km through the picturesque Wiltshire countryside.
After crossing the finishing line, Det Sgt Bailey told Sky News that he had taken part for two reasons: to give himself a focus; and to raise funds for the people who treated his illness.
“Both mentally and physically [the Novichok poisoning] knocked me quite a bit and I wanted something to work towards and I wanted to give something back to the hospital,” he explained.
“It is so nice to be here and I thank the hospital staff for the fact that I can do this today.”
Wiltshire Police confirmed that, in January, Det Sgt Bailey had returned to work.
He began training for the marathon in February and said it had not been without difficulties.
After completing the run in four hours and 44 minutes, Det Sgt Bailey said he was exhausted but felt “brilliant”.
“It has been six months in the making. There have been a lot of training miles and lots of ups and downs, highs and lows but the support and the organisation has been incredible. I am really chuffed,” he said.
Donations in support of his appeal can still be made at by clicking here
