On the 22nd April 2007, I took part in the London Marathon(Runner 015796) and  dedicated it in memory of Joanita Gomez who on the 4th August 2006  died in Hospital from of End stage Pulmonary Hypertension . I hope to raise as much money as possible for the Royal Free Hampstead  Charitable Trust, in the hope that the money I raise will go some way towards helping other people who suffer this terrible illness. In May 2006 on one of my visits to Oscar and Joanita’s home I spoke with Joanita and Oscar of my intention to enter the London Marathon to raise money and create awareness for the Royal Free Hospitals Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, Joanita seemed so happy with the idea. Never did I imagine that  the London Marathon I had run was going to be in memory of this dear lady. On the day of the marathon the weather was intense and all runners suffered but knowing that Joanita was there with me and the support of everyone on the day I made it around in 5hrs 9mins.

Oscar writes:-

Joanita had not been keeping well for a while. In January 2006 Joanita's health became of concern, she was diagnosed to be suffering with End Stage Pulmonary Hypertension. In March 2006 her breathlessness deteriorated to grade 4 from grade 1 a year ago and became desperately ill, she was unable to walk more than 5 metres and became oxygen dependant. Dr Gerry Goghlan and his team were treating Joanita at the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead. Joanita and I had great hopes that the treatment would benefit her. In spite of the expert care and attention by the doctors and nursing team at the hospital Joanita was not flourishing, and her condition remained very poor. The specialist drugs did not work for her, she failed to response to the two special drugs given. At the end of July 2006 Joanita was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital for her life saving treatment. There was a one in three chance that this treatment would work and if she had responded to the drug therapy, it was hoped, over a period of two or three months would really improve Joanita quality of life. Joanita and I had great hopes that this treatment was going to work for her and that it would begin to make a significant impact on her well being. Joanita seemed to respond to the treatment initially and she was in high spirits and seemed to be doing well. On the fifth day into her treatment her condition suddenly worsened, despite all the expert care and attention given by the team and staff they were unable to prevent Joanita's deterioration. On the 4th August 2006, sadly Joanita lost her courageously brave battle to live and passed away. She died peacefully in hospital. I was privileged to be with her and comfort her during her last moments. It was the saddest day of my life. Joanita will always be deeply missed by her family, friends and all that knew her.

The Marathon on the 22nd April 2007 was run by John Masey in memory 
of Joanita, a gem of a lady who was dear to us all, and ask that you 
dig deep and sponsor John online. Donating through this site is 
simple, fast and totally secure. Royal Free Hampstead Charitable 
Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, 
an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. 
Your generosity however small will help the charity in many ways. We 
hope it will help in the fight to defeat this terrible disease and 
also enrich the quality of life of those affected by this condition.

Life is so fragile and precious.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

A huge THANK YOU to each and everyone of you that supported us in our fundraising, and for your generous donations.