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It will be a year ago, on Monday 24th April that my dad passed away. He was always proud of his lads' running achievements, but London Marathon will be my first marathon since that sad weekend last year. He was aware of his high blood pressure, but in the end it must have been a contributing factor to his heart attack. 

Over ten years ago, I was warned about my blood pressure in a Well Person check at work and I made a conscious decision to make a few lifestyle changes, to help reduce my blood pressure. I changed my diet, reduced my salt intake and started exercising more to lose weight. I also wanted to improve my quality of life and enjoy family activities and playing sports with my kids, while they were still growing up  That was the start of my running journey, which has taken me to London Marathon before, which my dad was extremely proud of. 

I have used my running to fundraise in the past, but unlike all the amazing people that have raised millions of pounds for so many worthwhile charities at London Marathon, I haven't linked London to a fundraiser, until now. I though it would be appropriate to pick a smaller charity, that I had personal links to, which is why I have chosen Blood Pressure UK, as any amount raised will go to help spread awareness of high blood pressure being a major factor in heart attacks and strokes and help people make their own lifestyle changes, before it is too late.

While running around London on Sunday morning, it will exactly one year since I last had the pleasure of chatting with dad. Telling him to pay attention to the nurses and do as they say, so that he could get better and get out of hospital. He also wished my brother good luck on a marathon he was due to race the day afterwards. I'm certain, he will be looking down at me, wishing me all the best in London and Leeds, and I'll be thinking of him while I'm running 🏃‍♂️❤️

If you have got to this point, Thank You so much for reading my story and if you Donate to this charitable cause, Thank You very much for your kind generosity. It is very much appreciated. ❤️

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