Robin

I can't remember the name of the famous photographer who said, 'If you want to be a good street photographer, wear good walking shoes.'

Unfortunately, I ignored this advice and found myself being expertly dealt with by Robin, a podiatrist who runs 'Balham Footcare' in Balham, South West London.

Robin took over the practice in 1982 from a chiropodist (as they were called back then) who had worked in the 1st-floor surgery for 25 years. To Robin, who was just 28 back then, it felt like a lifetime; little did he know that he would still be there as 'sole practitioner' (Robins joke) 39 years later.

Robin enjoys his job. His practice is in the middle of Balham, and he feels like he's part of the community. In his spare time, he plays guitar, but his main passion is running. He's run many marathons and road races. Once, in 'The Hillingdon 5 miler', he finished just a minute or so behind the Olympic legend, Seb Coe, which made Robin’s day.

Covid has made Robin realise just how unpredictable life can be, and he's decided to reduce his working hours to make more time for himself and his family.

He's going to continue with his running, safe in the knowledge that, unlike me, there's no chance of him ignoring any foot problems.