Motivated by the strength and unfaltering sense of humour of our youngest daughter Poppy, I’ll be running the London Marathon on 23^rd April in support of The Lily Foundation.

Poppy has Mitochondrial Disease…a genetic disorder which essentially means the ‘batteries’ in her body’s cells aren’t powerful enough to enable her body to function as it would as a ‘normal’ 5 year old.

This disease has no typical symptoms or predictable prognosis and affects different people in different ways. Poppy is impacted by an inability to walk or sit unaided, she suffers from extreme muscle tension in her arms and legs which makes it very difficult to do basic things and she is also very limited in her ability to speak…all due to faulty mitochondria.

As a parent it is heartbreaking to know there is no treatment and no cure to this disease.

The Lily foundation work tirelessly to fund research into Mitochondrial Disease and drive awareness of it, hence James and I are huge fans of the charity (and the amazing team that run it) and try to do what we can to fundraise and support.

So… inspired by Poppy and other affected Mito families, I will be training hard and aiming to complete the iconic 26.2 miles around London in April.

I would be extraordinarily grateful to anyone who would consider sponsoring me and supporting this amazing charity.

Thanks in advance

Kat xx

More info on The Lily Foundation can be found on their website or by watching this short video.
But in summary they have a 3 point mission:

1) fund research to improve diagnosis and treatment options

2) raise awareness of these conditions so they are more easily recognised

3) support families with sick children.

http://vimeo.com/62446736

www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk