Hello, my name is Laragh FitzGerald and I had an absolute notion about myself one day and decided to sign up for the London Marathon in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

This charity is very close to my heart, as I have lived with Cystic Fibrosis for almost 28 years. CF in a genetically inherited disease that primarily effects the lungs and pancreas. 

I spent my first 2 week admission into hospital when I was 10 years old, from then I've spent most of my life in and out of hospital. Those with CF can end up in hospital from catching something as minor as the common cold. 

Last year I caught the flu during the pandemic, something I had never caught before. At 26 years of age, due to the flu, I spent 2 weeks in hospital unable to breathe on my own, eat properly or even shower myself (not my finest moment). Constant coughing and infections causes scarring on the lungs, which eventually leads to a need for a lung transplant for most patients. 

That winter, after 26 years of coughing and infections and the final blow to the lungs that the flu caused, I found myself waking up most mornings having coughed up blood on my sheets. I struggled with daily tasks and a flight of stairs was not my friend. With 30 years old being the average life expectancy for most with CF, at 26 years of age I accepted that I was on my last leg... (I considered just moving to a tropical island for the next few years..) 

That was until I was put on the literal "miracle drug" Kaftrio. Fast forward almost a year and I barely cough any more, I have bounds of energy, my body feels and looks so much healthier and I'm training for the London Marathon…

This is something I never thought in a million years I'd even consider, never mind actually do. However, there is still 10% of the CF population that this drug cant apply to or who it hasn't been successful for, so more research is needed.

I've lost friends to this disease and have had parents of children of those with CF break down in tears to me. I now tell those parents that CF is not the death sentence it once was due to amazing medical advancements. 

I chose Cystic Fibrosis Ireland because they support the research going into these medical advancements, as well as supporting those waiting for life-saving medication or a lung transplant. 

I'm running this marathon, not only to raise money, but to prove to myself and to so many others, that this disease is not what it use to be and there is still hope...x

Am I just telling you all this so you will donate? Yes I am. Please share and donate if you can!

Thank you! x