After two postponed marathons, and two years of training thanks to COVID - Kate and I will be running the London 2020 Marathon on 3 October 2021 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust; a cause close to my lungs!

CF is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people across the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections and reduced lung function. Currently half of those with CF will not live past the age of 41.

Unusually, I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 16 but most are diagnosed at birth. Having CF involves a lifetime of taking a cocktail of medicines, hospital stays and visits, daily physiotherapy and weight maintenance issues, but I have been determined to lead a normal life; travelling, going away to University, living in London with a full time job; I have not allowed it to get in the way of how I live my life.

Unfortunately, not everyone with CF is able to do this, but my wish is that everyone get the appropriate treatments to allow them to lead the best life they can. The only way to do this is through funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition, which is the aim of the CF Trust.

Since starting our training for this marathon (two years ago now) there have been two drugs approved for my use (first with Symkevi, and more recently Kaftrio)which have changed my life with CF. Many patients have access to these amazing new drugs that have improved lives immeasurably, but there is still more to be done so that everyone with CF has access to these types of medicines.

To help change and improve the lives of everyone with CF, Kate and I decided to run the 2020 London Marathon for the CF Trust. This is not an easy feat (for either of us) and one I would never have taken on without Kate’s selflessness and encouragement…she is a total hero. 

As we close our two years of training (that was originally to be just 4 months), we would greatly appreciate your support by digging deep and sponsoring us!

It goes without saying that we would love as many of you to come along on the big day but in the meantime please press the donate button!!

Lots of Love,

Christen and Kate xx