In 2016 after a number of tests and examinations it was discovered that I had a heart defect, it was found that the upper and lower chambers of my heart did not communicate correctly and so soon after discovery I was fitted with a pacemaker. Great or so I thought, after the operation it was also found that I also have a bicuspid Aortic Valve, this is one of the most common heart defects but if it remains undiscovered or unmonitored can lead to heart failure this will eventually need replacing later in life.

I have therefore decided to push my limits and run the 13.1mile that is the Great North Run this year to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation and I'd be so grateful for your support. The BHF has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease in the UK but sadly every day hundreds of people lose their lives. It's only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures. £24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist, but every pound helps so please give what you can to help me hit my target. Thanks!