On the 23rd of September this year I will take part in my 1st ever half marathon. I never thought I would be able to take part in such an event, but I’m now the fittest and most confident I have ever been. In my early 20s after years of abnormal heart rhythm episodes I was diagnosed with a heart condition (Wolff Parkinson’s White syndrome). I was lucky to be diagnosed and my condition is monitored each year.

Unlike me up to 12 people in the UK, between the ages of 18-35 die each week due to an undetected heart condition. Lots of these lives could have been saved if they’d had the use of a defibrillator.

I am a member of Crossfit Belfast and over the last few months the gym has held events to raise money for our own defibrillator so, I’d like to take the opportunity to help raise the much needed funds for a life saving piece of equipment. The defibrillator may sit on the wall for years gathering dust and that’s what we hope, but it definitely will be the most important piece of equipment in the box.