After many races over the years, I have decided to support a
charity this year as I run The London Marathon on Sunday 2^nd October.

Given all the support Alice gives me for my running, when she
asked if I would run it for Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC) I couldn’t say no.

Having now taken the time to learn more about APEC I am absolutely delighted to be supporting them.

Alice has been working in obstetrics since 2011, and has met
and cared for so many women, babies, and families who have been affected by pre-eclampsia, in the UK and internationally. Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition, with consequences that far outlast the pregnancy. It can lead to major complications for mother and baby, including eclampsia (seizures), stroke, heart attacks and organ failure, and it can affect fetal growth and cause stillbirth. In the UK, 1,200 babies die every year due to pre-eclampsia, and across the world, more than 40,000 mothers die from pre-eclampsia annually.
At present, there is no cure except delivery, meaning that pre-eclampsia is a huge cause of preterm birth.

Alice is currently doing her PhD at St Thomas’ Hospital, investigating whether a new diagnostic test for pre-eclampsia can reduce stillbirths, neonatal deaths and neonatal unit admission. Through this project,
she has worked closely with APEC, a fantastic charity with three main aims.

As many of you know I’m really into my running. Most of the
time the motivation is there, but as I run the marathon this year, having this fantastic cause to push me on adds an extra special dimension.

Alice and I would be extremely grateful for any donations to
APEC, no matter how small. On behalf of APEC and all the women and families affected by pre-eclampsia, thank you so much for your support.